Indonesian police said on Sunday 129 people died and regarding 180 were injured during a stampede of fans during a riot at a Premier League match in Malang, in one of the worst football disasters.
After the match, which Persibaya Surabaya won 3-2 once morest Arima, fans of the losing team stormed the pitch and authorities fired teargas canisters, causing a stampede and suffocation cases, East Java provincial police chief Nico Aventa told reporters.
“Things turned into chaos, the fans started attacking the officers and damaging cars,” Nikko said, adding that the stampede occurred as fans fled to the exit gate.
Indonesian Security Minister Muhammad Mahfouz said on Instagram that the stadium’s stands had been filled to more than its capacity, indicating that 42,000 tickets had been put up for sale, even though the stadium had a capacity of only 38,000 people.
Riots and violence took place in previous matches in the Asian country, in light of the strong competition between some clubs.
The Indonesian Super League announced the suspension of the competition for a week following the disaster at Kanjuruhan Stadium. The Indonesian Football Association said it would launch an investigation into the events.
Indonesia’s Sports Minister Zainuddin Amali confirmed to Kompas TV that the authorities would re-evaluate safety measures at football matches, with consideration being given to banning fans from attending matches following the tragedy.
