At least 174 people have been killed in a riot at a football match in Indonesia, most of whom were trampled to death after police fired tear gas, in one of the world’s worst sporting disasters.
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Angry at their team’s first home defeat by the rival club in 23 years, thousands of Arema supporters invaded the pitch and threw bottles and other missiles at players and football officials.
Clashes spread outside the stadium where at least five police vehicles were overturned and set on fire.
Riot police responded by firing tear gas, including towards the stadium’s stands, sparking panic among the crowd.
Tear gas is banned at football stadiums by the international governing body FIFA.
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“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia at the end of the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
“This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension. 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.”
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Some people were suffocated and others trampled as hundreds ran to the exit in a bid to escape the chemical.
Children were among the victims, according to some reports.
East Java police chief Nico Afinta told a news conference: “We have already done a preventive action before finally firing the tear gas as (fans) began to attack the police, acting anarchically and burning vehicles.”
More than 300 people were taken to nearby hospitals but many died on the way and during treatment, Mr Afinta said.
He said the number of dead was likely to increase because many of the estimated 180 injured and receiving treatment were deteriorating.
Indonesia’s football association, known as PSSI, has suspended the premier league indefinitely in light of the tragedy and banned Arema from hosting matches for the rest of the season.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has expressed his condolences.
“I deeply regret this tragedy and I hope this is the last soccer tragedy in this country. Don’t let another human tragedy like this happen in the future,” he said.
“We must continue to maintain sportsmanship, humanity and a sense of brotherhood of the Indonesian nation.”
He ordered the sports minister, national police chief and chairman of the PSSI to carry out a full investigation into the match and its security arrangements.
Source: Skysports
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