Reports indicate that numerous football fans lost their lives in a tragic incident during an Indonesian football match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya over the weekend.
A chaotic scene unfolded as fans invaded the pitch at the end of the match, leading to multiple casualties who were rushed to Kanjuruhan Hospital and Wava Husada Hospital, as per Mirror.
Based on the reports:
“Several local media sources have stated that many fans perished on the field at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, though an official death toll has yet to be announced.
All remaining BRI Liga 1 matches scheduled for this week have been called off following the incident, and the Indonesian FA has declared that Arema will not host any more games this season.”
Akhmad Hadian Lukita, the president of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), expressed: “We are saddened and remorseful about this event. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the affected, and we hope it serves as a valuable lesson for all of us.”
In a post on Saturday evening, Persebaya’s official Twitter account stated: “The extended Persebaya family grieves deeply for the lives lost during the Arema FC vs. Persebaya match. No game is worth a life. Our thoughts are with the victims and may their families find strength in this difficult time.”
Persebaya Surabaya emerged victorious, winning 3-2, which led to thousands of Arema FC fans storming the field from the stands.
“Local reports indicate that clashes erupted between security forces and fans on the field, with objects thrown and tear gas deployed. Fans tried to escape the gas, resulting in chaos, with many falling to the ground and unintentionally trampled.
Numerous supporters experienced breathing difficulties due to the gas, while others fainted on the field. Arema players reportedly carried unconscious fans off the pitch as tear gas lingered, affecting both fans and players.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted.
