Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered authorities on Sunday to thoroughly re-evaluate security at football matches after a riot and stampede at a stadium in East Java province killed at least 125 people, and left many injured besides loss of property.
He also told the country’s football association (PSSI) to stop Liga 1 matches until the investigation concluded and told them to ensure that this is the “last soccer tragedy in the nation.”
An official had earlier said that at least 174 people were killed but the toll was later revised downwards to 125 as officials grappled to collect data of casualties and injured from hospitals where the injured were rushed.
Initially, Indonesian police had said that at least 127 people had died and 180 were injured and the toll is expected to go up.
After Arema FC lost the match to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya by 2-3, supporters from the losing team invaded the pitch. Police fired tear gas, triggering a stampede that led to cases of suffocation, East Java police chief Nico Afinta told reporters.
“It got anarchic. The crowd started attacking officers and damaged cars,” he said, adding that two police officers were among the dead.
Also Read: In pics | Ugly scenes as 129 killed after football match turns deadly in Indonesia
Video footage from local news channels showed people rushing onto the pitch in the stadium in Malang and images of body bags. The Indonesian top league BRI Liga 1 has suspended games for a week following the match that Persebaya won 3-2.
Videos on social media showed fans clambering over fences to escape and lifeless bodies lying on the floor.
There have been previous outbreaks of trouble at matches in Indonesia, with a strong rivalry between clubs sometimes leading to violence among supporters.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
