After the deadly mass panic in an Indonesian football stadium, more and more details are now coming to light. Apparently the guards at the stadium broke the rules of the world football governing body, FIFA, when they wanted to break the storming of the home fans. Because it is forbidden to carry or use any firearms or gas pistols on the field and in the stands. As reported, mass panic among the 42,000 fans was caused by the massive use of tear gas. At least 125 people were killed – most were asphyxiated.
Matches between Arema Malang and Persebaya Surabaya, the two top-level arch-rivals in East Java district, are always considered high-risk matches. For this reason, only fans of the respective home team are allowed. That was also the case on Saturday in the Kanjuruhan Stadium, the home ground of Arema. An extremely emotional game ended with a 2:3 loss for the home side. Then all hell broke loose.
Thousands of supporters flocked to the pitch to confront their own players and officials. Security guards and police officers resisted the angry mob, after which they too were targeted. Bottles, rocks and other objects flew. There were also riots outside the stadium and several police vehicles went up in flames.
There were also fights between the hostile fan groups. The video below shows Arema supporters attacking the winning team’s convoy with rocks. Many of them had no idea at the time of the tragedy that had unfolded in the stadium itself. After the final whistle, the situation became “anarchic,” said police chief Nico Afinta. Fans attacked officials and damaged cars. There was then a crowd as fans fled to an exit.
Five-year-old among the dead
Video recordings from local TV stations showed how many people ran onto the field and there were fist fights. There is fog in the air that resembles tear gas. Larger police vehicles with smashed windows lie on their sides at the edge of the field, smoke rises from one of the vehicles. The photos also show people who have apparently lost consciousness and are being carried away by helpers. The head of a local hospital told Metro TV that some of the victims had suffered brain injuries. Among the dead was a five-year-old child.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has suspended play in the first division for a week. Arema will not be allowed to play home games for the rest of the season. In addition, the association had set up an investigation team that would start work on Sunday. “PSSI deplores the actions of Arema supporters at Kanjuruhan Stadium. We are sorry and apologize to the families of the victims and everyone involved in the incident,” said Union president Mochamad Iriawan. The police will be assisted in the investigation.
Indonesia is considered a football-loving country. While international success is lacking, there are always riots and violence surrounding matches. In 2018, a fan was murdered by a mob of supporters from a rival club. The accident is the worst in global football in more than half a century. In 1964, 328 people died in a stampede during a match between Peru and Argentina.
President calls for suspension of all Premier League matches
President Joko Widodo said authorities should thoroughly review security at the games. He hopes this was “the last football tragedy in this country”. Wikodo has ordered the Indonesian Football Association to suspend all top division games pending investigations.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
