It was a tragic scene in Malung, Indonesia when a stampede broke out after a major domestic league match, Saturday Night. Violence, tear gas and loss of lives marked another tragedy in Indonesian football. Here’s a look at how the trouble erupted.
The stadium had a total of 42,000 spectators, all of whom were Arema Malang fans, as their opponents Perebaya Surabaya fans had been banned from the match to prevent an all-out brawl. Trouble however erupted after Persebaya Surabaya defeated Arema Malang 3-2 in Saturday night’s match in East Java’s province Malang city.
Being the first match loss to Persebaya at tits home stadium, angry spectators ran in to the field after the match to demand answers. Violence spread throughout the stadium as bottles and other objects were thrown at players, officials and at least five police cars were toppled and set ablaze. The riot police responded with tear gas which escalated the situation and resulted in chaos and panic in the stadium. It is relevant to note that FIFA had banned the use of teargas in football stadiums.
Hundreds of spectators rushed to an exit gate to avoid the tear gas, resulting in a stampede that suffocated 34 to death almost instantly, with many more deaths to follow due to injuries.
Reported to be one of the worst sports disasters, police said at least 125 people died, including children and two police officers, most of whom were trampled. More than 100 people were injured. Police said the death toll is likely to rise more with multiple people in critical condition.
Indonesian has been known to have a history of tragic football incidents, where fans, officials are killed due to violence after or during a match. Fans have been known to throw bottles, flares, and other objects at each other and even onto the field.
Not to far back, in June, two Persib Bandung fans died while jostling to enter the stadium in Bandung to watch the 2022 President’s Cup. The angry supporters became aggressive because the officers on the field did not allow them to enter the already-full stadium.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has expressed his deepest regret and ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic incident. He has also ordered the premier soccer league be suspended until a safety revaluation is carried out and tighter security put in place. Widodo said he hoped “this tragedy will be the last tragedy of football in Indonesia.”
Arema has been banned from hosting football matches for the rest of the season by the Indonesia’s soccer. Amnesty International has also urged Indonesian government to investigate the use of tear gas at the stadium and ensure that those found in violations are tried in open court.
