A soccer match in Indonesia deteriorated into full chaos and terror after police fired tear gas to end things brawls. Indonesia Stadium Tragedy, according to police statements made on Sunday, the chaos caused 129 deaths, the majority of which were caused by trampled deaths. The incident appears to be among the worst stadium mishaps ever. Following the conclusion of the Indonesian Premier League match between Arema Malang and Persebaya Surabaya, which finished with Persebaya Surabaya winning 3-2, there were reportedly several confrontations between supporters of the two competing soccer clubs inside the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang city, which is located in the East Java region.
East Java Police Chief Nico Afinta claimed that the brawls that started just after the game concluded late on a Saturday night caused riot police to use tear gas, which terrified the crowd. Let us get more information about the tragedy and determine the cause of the one that occurred at the Indonesia Stadium Tragedy.
What Really Happened In Indonesia Stadium Tragedy?
According to East Java police commander Nico Afinta, following the conclusion of the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya on Saturday night in the province of East Java, fans of the losing side invaded the playing field, and police shot tear gas, causing a rush and cases of suffocation. Images of body bags and people rushing onto the field at the stadium in Malang could be seen in the video footage broadcast by local news outlets.
To escape the tear gas, hundreds of people ran to an exit gate. Thirty-four people died almost immediately as a result of suffocation, trampling, and other factors in the chaos. In the past, there have been incidents of trouble at matches in Indonesia due to the intense competition that exists between the many clubs, which has, on occasion, led to violent behaviour among the fans. To treat their injuries, more than 300 people were transported to nearby hospitals, but many of them died on the way there and while receiving care. According to reports, the death toll is reportedly still rising because many of the 180 injured victims’ conditions were getting worse.
What Steps Did The Government Take After The Disaster?
In an interview, Indonesia’s Minister of Sports, Zainudin Amali, stated that the Ministry of Sports would reevaluate the safety measures taken during football matches, including the possibility of banning spectators from entering stadiums. According to the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), the Indonesian top league, BRI Liga 1, has banned games for a week following the match that Persebaya won 3-2. Additionally, an investigation has been initiated into the matter.
BRI Liga 1 Suspended
Indonesia has a continuous issue with fan violence, which is occasionally fueled by intense competition between clubs. Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya have been rivals for a very long time and owing to safety concerns, Arema FC supporters were not allowed to purchase tickets for Saturday’s game between the two teams. Mahfud MD, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Matters, claimed that organizers disregarded the government’s advice to hold the game in the afternoon rather than the evening.
In addition to this, he stated that the government had suggested that only 38,000 tickets be printed; instead, there were a total of 42,000 people in attendance. Mahfud MD claims that the government has improved the way football matches are implemented and will keep doing so. However, this sport, which is a favourite in the larger community, frequently causes fans to react irrationally.
The BRI Liga 1 football season has been postponed for one week by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI). Additionally, it declared that it would send an investigation team to Malang to determine the source of the crush and prohibited Arema FC from holding home matches for the remaining of the campaign. The tragedy occurred just months before Indonesia hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup in May and June of 2019. They are also one of three nations competing to host the Asian Cup, the continent’s version of the Euros, in 2019 after China backed out of the bid as host.
Similar Disasters in History
1. Cameroon, January 2022
At least eight people were killed, and 38 more were injured in a stampede that occurred at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in Cameroon prior to the last-16 match between the home nation and Comoros during the Africa Cup of Nations.
2. Egypt, February 2012
Fans of competing teams Al-Masry and Al-Ahly erupted in violence after the conclusion of their game in the city of Port Said. At least 73 people were killed, almost 1,000 others were injured, and the Egyptian league was put on indefinite hold as a result of the violence.
3. Ivory Coast, March 2009
Before a World Cup qualifying match against Malawi, a stampede occurred at Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium that claimed at least 19 lives.
4. Ghana, May 2001
One of Africa’s biggest soccer tragedies resulted in a stampede that killed around 126 people at Accra’s primary soccer stadium after police sprayed tear gas at rioting fans.
5. South Africa, April 2001
At least 43 people were killed as soccer supporters attempted to force their way into Johannesburg’s massive Ellis Park Stadium during a top South African league match.
6. Guatemala, October 1996
At least 147 individuals were injured, and up to 82 people died after a crowd avalanche occurred during Guatemala City’s World Cup qualification match between Guatemala and Costa Rica.
7. France, May 1992
Eighteen people were killed, and over 2,300 were injured when a stand at Bastia’s Furiani Stadium collapsed prior to a French Cup semifinal matchup versus Olympique de Marseille. The French parliament established a regulation last year prohibiting professional games from being played in the nation on May 5 in remembrance of the deaths.
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