A match between two Indonesian teams involved in a tragic stampede in October, in which more than 130 people died, has been postponed due to security concerns, according to the Asian nation’s League.
The tournament organizer has defended its decision to postpone the match between Persebaya Surabaya and Arema FC, scheduled for this Sunday, over fears of clashes between fans and due to logistical problems.
The two teams faced each other on October 1 at the Arema stadium, when a series of riots broke out that police tried to quell by firing tear gas canisters into the stands. The incidents left at least 135 people dead and nearly 500 injured, most crushed or suffocated as they tried to escape through partially closed stadium exits.
“Judging by the events that have taken place, it has been decided to postpone the Persebaya match against Arema,” the Indonesian League said in a statement, adding that the teams had been “informed” of the decision.
Without permission from the authorities
According to the entity, the postponement of the match, which will be held behind closed doors, is also due to a request from Persebaya, as the club did not obtain permission from the authorities for it to be held at the Gelora Jaka Samudra stadium. amid the dangers posed by the appointment.
Persebaya pointed out “that there are some considerations to postpone the match”, with the director of the Indonesian League, Ferry Paulus, stating that “it will be rescheduled”, without specifying a new date for the match .
Images of the October tragedy, one of the worst in the world of sports, have traveled the world and international organizations, such as FIFA, have called for a thorough and independent investigation into the causes of the incident.
current test
Since mid-January, a trial has been held in the Indonesian city of Surabaya against five accused of negligence during the riots and their alleged responsibility for the security forces’ chaotic response.
Among the accused are the president of the Arema organizing committee, Abdul Haris; the head of security of the stadium where the tragedy occurred, Suko Sutrisno; the commander of the East Java Police Mobile Brigade, Hasdarmawan; Malang Police Operations Section Chief Wahyu Setyo Pranoto and Malang Police Chief Bambang Sidik Achmadi.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
