129 people killed in riots and stampede at football match in Indonesia

At least 129 people were killed and 180 others injured in riots and stampede at a football match in Indonesia’s Malang, East Java province on Sunday. Children and police officers are among the dead.

IANS reported Provincial Police Chief Nico Afinta saying at a press conference that the chaos happened on Saturday evening at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang after Arema club lost to Persebaya in the Indonesian Liga 1 football contest.

Violence broke out as Arema supporters stormed the football ground after climbing over the fence and fought with police officials. As the supporters of both football teams fought battles inside the stadium and the riot police fired tear gas, spectators scrambled towards the exit, leading to a stampede.

The violence carried out in streets outside the stadium as well. The police used tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Afinta said that preliminary findings showed that most of the deaths were due to the stampede, while other people may have died because of breathing difficulties. “Nearly 34 people died inside the stadium and the rest died in hospital,” he added.

Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali apologised for the incident and said authorities will investigate into the clashes and reassess the organisers’ management and security measures at the Indonesian football tournament. (With agencies)