Kanjuruhan Stadium, Indonesia was in ruins when the riot took place after the 2-3 loss to Persebaya Surabaya of host Arema Cronus.
In the match of the Indonesian national tournament on the evening of October 1, Jakarta time, the home team Arema Cronus had a 2-3 loss against Persebaya Surabaya.
After this loss, many fans of the home team were extremely dissatisfied and carried out extreme riots. Hundreds of people have climbed over the fence, spilling onto the field threatening the safety of both home team players and friends.
The increasing number of extremists participating in the riots caused security and mobile forces to intervene, even throwing tear gas directly into the crowd to disperse the crowd. But it was this act that made the situation worse as the rioters trampled each other to escape. It is estimated that up to now, the media inside and outside Indonesia has reported that the death toll has reached nearly 200.
“Injured people were lying on the ground, corridors and benches, the medical staff could not give first aid to the seriously injured people, and the security staff still tried their best to suppress everyone.” A news media channel.
Fans who were dragged into the riot said they had to be very lucky to get out.
Rezqi Wahyu, a fan present on the field shared on Twitter:
“It was completely normal at the beginning of the game, there were a few boos every time the home team conceded a goal. But the real riot started after the referee’s final whistle.”
As the Arema coach and players approached the stands to apologize to the audience for a disappointing game, many extremists swarmed the pitch to attack them. The situation worsened when people started throwing strange objects into the crowd, some people even used weapons to attack wildly regardless of other players or fans, etc.
The riot peaked when after players from both teams were brought inside safely, authorities had to take strong measures. They threw tear gas at the crowd and sent security forces with full tools to suppress people.
Rezqi Wahyu said that the actions of the security forces were a bit over the top:
“They repeatedly used long sticks to beat the riot participants, chased them vigorously and beat them relentlessly even when someone had fled.”
Tear gas grenades were thrown directly into the crowd, making the riots worse. Many people panicked and started flooding back towards the stands to run away. Among the crowd trampling each other were the elderly, women and children. Rumor has it that among the dead were infants.
The situation after the riot is being continuously updated, the Sepakbola Indonesia fanpage predicts that the situation will worsen as the death toll is increasing.
The away team Persebaya won against the host who was also the victim of a violent riot that kept them stuck for 2 hours in the stadium waiting room. Even security forces had to use armored vehicles to move players and team members out safely.
Akhmad Hadian Lukita, the executive board of the Indonesian National Championship (LIB), said:
“This is an extremely regrettable incident for us, LIB would like to extend its most sincere condolences and apologies to the victims and stakeholders. Please join us in overcoming this pain.”
The away team Persebaya also spoke:
“We pray for the victims to make it through and to keep their lives, nothing is more precious than life at this time.”
According to local media, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) blamed security forces for using tear gas to disperse the crowd for making the situation worse:
“This was supposed to be just a small commotion due to the fans jostling to leave, but security forces took a less-than-intelligent approach to throw tear gas grenades into the crowd.”
It is known that this action is against FIFA regulations on stadium safety and security.
After the riot, all matches in the Indonesian league were immediately postponed, and the club Arema was announced that it would not be allowed to hold any home matches for the rest of the season.
After receiving information about this unfortunate incident, Acting President of the Vietnam Football Federation – Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan sent his condolences to the Indonesian Football Federation, related parties as well as the victims.
He said, this is not only an unfortunate incident but also a lesson for Indonesian football as well as world football in general.
In the letter of condolence, the Vietnam Football Federation wrote:
“The Vietnam Football Federation is deeply saddened to learn of the unfortunate event that happened yesterday in Indonesia. The Vietnam Football Federation would like to send its deepest condolences for the tragic loss of the families and friends of the victims in this incident. The Vietnam Football Federation would like to send prayers to the Indonesian Football Federation in this painful moment.”
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