Anger as over 120 fans die in Indonesia stadium riot

Anger as over 120 fans die in Indonesia stadium riot

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Peter Akinbo with agency report.

The football world has reacted in sadness and criticism following the sad events that took place at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia.

At least 125 people have died in a crush at an Indonesian football match that has become one of the world’s worst stadium disasters.

Hundreds were also hurt in aftermath of home team Arema FC’s loss to bitter rivals at the overcrowded stadium late on Saturday in Malang, East Java.

The stampede took place after police tear-gassed fans who invaded the pitch.

As panic spread, thousands surged towards Kanjuruhan stadium’s exits, where many suffocated.

Wiyanto Wijoyo the head of the Malang Regency health office revealed that The clash resulted in 180 people being inured and over 120 deaths confirmed by the authorities.

Fifa, the world’s governing football body, states that no “crowd control gas” should be carried or used by stewards or police at matches.

The organisation’s president Gianni Infantino said it was “a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension”.

“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia,” Infantino said.

“This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension.”

As panic spread in Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, thousands surged towards the exits, where many suffocated.

FIFA, the world’s governing football body, states that no “crowd control gas” should be carried or used by stewards or police at matches.

Infantino added, “I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident.

“Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time.”

The head of the Asian Football Confederation, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, told Reuters in a statement he was “deeply shocked and saddened to hear such tragic news coming out of football-loving Indonesia”.

La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) agreed that clubs will observe a minute’s silence before kick-off in Sunday’s games as a mark of respect.

A statement by LaLiga said the silence would “offer condolences to the Indonesian people, especially the families of the deceased, as well as wishing a quick recovery to those injured”.

A number of Premier League clubs have offered their condolences to the victims of the disaster.

Liverpool tweeted, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the events at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, Indonesia.
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with all those affected at this time.”

England captain Leah Williamson posted on Twitter, “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Indonesia holds a special place in my heart.”

Spain defender Sergio Ramos called the incident heartbreaking, “Heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Ajax’s club account tweeted, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia. There should never be violence at a football match.”

Barcelona said they were pained by the tragic events, “FC Barcelona is pained by the tragic events at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia and rejects all acts of violence both on and off the field. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims.”