The police used tear gas to disperse the rampaging fans, Police Inspector General Nico Afinta said at a press conference. 34 people died on the field of Kanjuruhan Stadium, all others in hospitals, Afinta said according to reports from radio station Elshinta and station tvOne. The fatalities include two members of Indonesia’s national police. He initially gave no information about the cause of the tragedy.
A police officer blocks a burning truck in front of the stadium
The riots broke out after the Premier League soccer match between Arema FC and Persebaya FC. After the 3-2 defeat in Malang, thousands of spectators stormed the pitch. Photos published on the tvOne website show, among other things, a completely destroyed car in the stadium. Further pictures show the storming of the square as well as clouds of smoke on the soccer field and in the stands.
According to Afinta, most people died from a lack of oxygen. According to him, around 180 people are still being treated in clinics. The riots also damaged 13 vehicles, including ten police vehicles.
The Arema and Persebaya football clubs sent their condolences to the families of the victims. “Arema FC expresses its sincere condolences for the disaster in Kanjuruhan. Arema FC’s management is also responsible for dealing with the victims, both dead and injured,” said club boss Abdul Haris. The club will set up a crisis center and a victim information center. One is also “ready to pay compensation”.
The Indonesian Football Association suspended play in the first division for a week. Arema were banned from playing home games for the remainder of the season. In addition, the association had set up an investigation team that was supposed to start work on Sunday. The association regrets the actions of Aremania supporters in the stadium. “We are sorry and we apologize to the families of the victims and to everyone involved in the incident,” said association chairman Mochamad Iriawan.
kle/wa (dpa, afp, rtr)
