Violence at football match leaves at least 125 dead in Indonesia

At least 125 people died after fans stormed the pitch after a game in Malang, Indonesia, on Saturday night, East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardak told local media on Sunday.

The number announced by the authorities reached 174 dead, but the balance was revised to 125 because some victims were counted more than once.

In a statement, East Java provincial police chief Nico Afinta said two police officers were among the dead. In addition, he said 34 people died inside the stadium, and the rest in the hospital.

Supporters of the Arema FC team, which lost to Persebaya Surabaya, stormed the pitch, and security forces fired tear gas. The action prompted the crowd to run, police said.

The Indonesian football league suspended games for a week after the tragedy. The Indonesian Football Association said it will launch an investigation into what happened after the game.

The riot, which started inside the stadium, continued outside. Two police cars were destroyed, one of them burned. Fans also set fire to other stadium facilities.

Four Brazilian players were on the field during the match. Maringá, who is the home team’s goalkeeper, and Higor Vidal, Léo Lelis and Sílvio Júnior, visiting players.

Indonesia’s Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said authorities will re-evaluate security at football matches.

In a statement, Arema FC regretted what happened. “Arema FC expresses its deep condolences for the disaster in Kajuruhan [nome do estádio]. The direction of Arema FC is also responsible for the treatment of victims, both those who died and those injured.”

In the text, the club also states that the board members will establish a crisis center or information post for victims to receive reports and treat those who are hospitalized and sick.

“Management is ready to accept all post-disaster treatment suggestions so that many are saved,” reads the final excerpt of the statement.