Reports have emerged of multiple football fans tragically losing their lives following a chaotic riot that erupted during an Indonesian football match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya on a fateful Saturday.
The distressing incident led to a massive pitch invasion at the conclusion of the match, resulting in numerous individuals being swiftly transported to the nearby Kanjuruhan Hospital and Wava Husada Hospital, as per Mirror.
According to reports:
“Several local media sources have indicated that numerous fans met their demise on the field of Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, although an official death toll has not been confirmed yet.
All remaining BRI Liga 1 fixtures planned for this week have been called off in the aftermath of the tragedy, with the Indonesian FA also announcing that Arema will not serve as hosts for any further games this season.”
Expressing regret over the incident, Akhmad Hadian Lukita, the president of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), remarked: “We are dismayed and regretful about this occurrence. Our heartfelt condolences go out, and we hope this serves as a significant lesson for all of us.”
Persebaya’s official Twitter account expressed their grief on Saturday evening: “The extended family of Persebaya mourns deeply for the loss of life during the Arema FC vs Persebaya match. No life can ever be equated to a game of football. Our thoughts are with the victims, and we pray for strength for the bereaved families.”
Persebaya Surabaya emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline in the match, inciting a crowd surge from Arema FC fans onto the field of play.
“Reports from local media suggest that altercations ensued between security personnel and fans on the pitch, leading to objects being hurled before the use of tear gas by security forces. Sources indicate that tear gas was deployed both on pitch-invading fans and those in the stands.
This triggered widespread panic among supporters trying to flee from the gas, resulting in many individuals falling to the ground and inadvertently being trampled by others.
Numerous fans experienced respiratory distress from inhaling the gas, while others lost consciousness on the field. Allegedly, the tear gas lingered in the pitch area and lower stands even after its use, prompting Arema players still on the pitch to assist unconscious fans off the field.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
