In Indonesia, at least 174 football fans have died in the riots following Arema FC’s league match against Persebaya Surabaya.
The number of fans killed in a post-match pitch invasion at Malang’s Kanjurhan Stadium continues to climb, local media reports have reported. Many fans were taken to local hospitals in Kangjulhan and Wawa Husada.
East Java police chief Nico Afinta said about 180 people were injured. Two police officers are believed to have died in the incident. Akhmad Hadian Lukita, chairman of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), said: “We are concerned and deeply regretful about this incident.” We send our condolences and hope that this is a valuable lesson for all of us.”
Persebaya’s official Twitter account posted on Saturday night: “The extended family of Persebaya is deeply saddened by the loss of life in the match between Arema FC and Persebaya.” No life is worth football. We pray for the repose of the soul of the victims and hope that the families left behind will find strength. ”
All remaining BRI Liga 1 games scheduled for this week have been canceled following the incident, with the Indonesian Football Federation confirming that Arema will not play the rest of the season.
Thousands of Arema FC fans entered the pitch from the stands. Local police and several members of the Indonesian National Army were then mobilized to step up security and persebaya players were escorted off the pitch to safety.
Local media reported a brawl broke out between security forces and fans on the pitch, with objects being thrown before the security forces started using tear gas.
It is said that this caused fans to panic and many fell to the ground and were inadvertently trampled by others as they tried to escape the gas.
It is said that there are many fans who have difficulty breathing from inhaling gas and who have lost consciousness on the pitch.
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