The tragedy at the soccer match in Indonesia is one of the greatest stadium disasters in history. The use of tear gas triggers a mass panic. FIFA boss Infantino speaks of “dark hours” and the Pope includes Indonesia in his prayers.
Thousands of people panic-stricken, surrounded by aggression, destruction and death, with a veil of tear gas covering everything. The harrowing scenes from the football arena in Malang, Indonesia, were reminiscent of civil war – and led to one of the worst stadium disasters in history. At least 125 people died in Saturday’s tragedy in East Java province, including children. 180 people were injured. It was initially said that there had been more than 170 fatalities, but this number has since been corrected downwards.
“I deeply regret this tragedy and hope that this football tragedy will be the last of our time,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo said during a televised address. The head of government promised “a full investigation” into the incidents. Widodo demanded improved safety precautions from the football association PSSI. Until this is implemented, all games should be suspended.
The association then interrupted play in the first division for a week. Host club Arema FC have been banned from playing home games for the remainder of the season. In addition, the association has set up a commission of inquiry to help the police investigate the disaster. “We apologize to the families of the victims and everyone involved,” said PSSI President Mochamad Iriawan.
Police described what happened earlier at Kanjuruhan Stadium, which had a capacity of 42,000, as a “riot.” After Aremas’ 3-2 defeat by Persebaya FC, the hosts’ first loss to their arch-rivals in over 20 years, 3,000 Arema fans stormed the field in anger. Two police officers were killed. In response, the police used tear gas. This caused a panic, resulting in numerous people being trampled to death.
The TV images from the stadium show real battles between police officers and an angry mob, with the arena and police vehicles being demolished. In between, people could be seen trying to get to safety and carrying injured people. Violent clashes also took place in front of the stadium. This was evidenced by 13 burned-out vehicles, including a police truck.
In response to the tragedy, Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the use of tear gas. Those responsible would have to be brought to justice in the event of violations of the law.
Those responsible for the two clubs expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and promised financial compensation. The head of the Asian association AFC also spoke up. “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear such tragic news from Indonesia – a country that loves football,” said Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. The German coach Thomas Doll, who has been employed by the Indonesian first division club Persija Jakarta since April, told the “Bild”: “I am unspeakably sad about the incidents. It will certainly take a long time to process.” He went on to say: “I’ve already had the first talks with my players about this. Understandably, they’re all very concerned. It has nothing to do with football anymore. It all makes you think a lot.”
However, the love of football in Indonesia regularly turns violent. In the past, there have been several deadly clashes between the various fan camps. Even the professionals are repeatedly the target of attacks and are sometimes under police protection.
Whether the U20 World Cup planned for next year can actually be held in Indonesia under these conditions seems more than questionable. A planned Olympic application is now under a bad star. Just like the trip from Borussia Dortmund. BVB is planning a game in Indonesia during the World Cup break. PSSI General Secretary Yunus Yussi has already contacted the world governing body FIFA to avoid sanctions.
Gianni Infantino spoke of a football world in “shock” on Sunday. “This is a dark day for everyone involved in football and an unimaginable tragedy,” said the FIFA President. “I send my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident out.” Pope Francis also reacted to the disaster: “I also pray for those who lost their lives and were injured in the clashes after a soccer game in Malang, Indonesia,” he said after the Angelus prayer in front of believers in St. Peter’s Square in Rome .
Stadium disasters have repeatedly caused horror in the past. The accident at the British Hillsborough Stadium in 1989 is considered one of the most devastating in the world, when 97 Liverpool FC fans died when the stands collapsed.
In 2012, 74 people died in riots after a football match in Port Said, Egypt. In 1964, a stampede during an Olympic qualifying match between Peru and Argentina at the National Stadium in Lima killed 320 and injured more than 1,000.
