The world of football is shocked: in a match the Indonesian League was experienced and a day of fury and pain, after a confrontation between supporters of Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya generated police intervention to dissuade the rioters, which caused increased violence and an unofficial balance of more than 120 people dead. The local agency Antara Jatim cited police sources who indicated that “at least 129 people died as a result of the serious events, many of them on the field of play” at the Kanjuruham Stadium in Malang.
The riots came after the referee whistled to close and Persebaya’s team won the East Java classic, 3-2. Supporters of Arema FC., upset with the performance of the judge, jumped en masse “into the field of play”, according to the local newspaper Kompas.
The Chief Inspector General of the East Java Regional Police, Nico Afinta, confirmed at a press conference in the town of Malang the death of “129 people, two of whom are members of the National Police.” This is confirmed by a report by the Media Indonesia agency. The police official explained that 34 of the fatalities lost their lives in the stadium and also stated that “there are 180 wounded who are being treated in hospitals in the area,” although he did not clarify how many are seriously injured.
The situation overflowed when Arema FC fans launched flares and other forceful elements, which led to the reaction of the Police who fired tear gas bombs.
“Many of the people died from the chaos, pressed against each other, because of the pushing, trampling and suffocation,” said Wiyanto Wijoyo, head of the Malang district health office, according to what was revealed by the Russian channel. RussiaToday.
“We are deeply shocked by what happened. And we repudiate the recorded incidents,” said Akhmad Hadian Lukita, president of the Indonesian League (LIB).
