At least 174 people lost their lives in riots and mass panic after a first division game in Indonesia. According to the authorities, 34 people die on the soccer field alone. Many more die in hospital.
After violent riots at a soccer game in Malang in the Indonesian province of East Java on Saturday evening (local time), the number of dead has risen to at least 174, according to the authorities. Two police officers were among the dead, the Indonesian police said. In addition, 180 people were injured. The first reports had spoken of at least 129 fatalities. Police used tear gas to disperse the rampaging fans, provincial police chief Nico Afinta said at a news conference.
34 people have already died on the field of Kanjuruhan Stadium, all others in hospitals, Afinta said, according to radio station Elshinta and station tvOne. Most people died from lack of oxygen. Around 180 people are still in clinics. He did not provide any information about the cause of the riots.
The riots broke out after the first division game between Arema FC and Persebaya FC. After the 3-2 defeat in Malang, thousands of spectators stormed the pitch. Photos published on the tvOne website show, among other things, a completely destroyed car in the stadium. Further pictures show the storming of the square and clouds of smoke on the square and in the grandstands. A total of 13 vehicles were damaged in the riots, including ten police vehicles.
The Arema and Persebaya football clubs expressed their condolences to the victims and their families. "Arema FC expresses its sincere condolences for the disaster in Kanjuruhan. Arema FC's management is also responsible for dealing with the victims, both dead and injured," said club boss Abdul Haris. The club will set up a crisis center and a victim information center.
"To the families of the victims, the management of Arema FC sincerely apologizes and stands ready to provide compensation. The management stands ready to accept proposals for dealing with the disaster so that many can be saved," said Haris.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) suspended play in the first division for a week. Arema were banned from playing home games for the remainder of the season. In addition, the association has set up an investigation team that is scheduled to start work on Sunday. "PSSI regrets the actions of Aremania supporters at Kanjuruhan Stadium. We apologize and apologize to the families of the victims and to everyone involved in the incident," said federation chairman Mochamad Iriawan. The police will be assisted in the investigation.
