Football fan riots leave 174 dead

with children and police officers

among those killed
Well over 100 football fans and two police officers have died after a riot broke out following
a derby match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia

Tear gas was used as disorder broke out.

Well over 100 football fans and two police officers have died in Indonesia after a
riot broke out following Arema FC's defeat to Persebaya Surabaya.

Arema were beat 3-2 at home by their rivals Persebaya, a result which prompted
a large amount of their supporters to storm the pitch at full-time. Police
responded by using tear gas inside the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang.
Harrowing footage showed fans climbing over fences as they tried to escape
from the smoke clouds. The number of victims has now been confirmed as 174,
including two officers, with children among those killed.

Further videos posted online showed hallways of what appeared to be a nearby

hospital lined with dead bodies. Local reports suggested the medical facilities
were struggling to cope with the number of injured fans, with the death toll
rising throughout the night as a result.

Akhmad Hadian Lukita, the president of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), said: "We
are concerned and deeply regret this incident. We share our condolences and
hopefully this will be a valuable lesson for all of us."

All remaining BRI Liga 1 fixtures this week have been suspended in the wake of
the incident, while the Indonesian FA have confirmed Arema will not host any
more games for the rest of the season.

General chair Mochamad Iriawan said: "PSSI regrets the actions of Aremania
supporters at the Kanjuruhan Stadium.

"We are sorry and apologise to the

families of the victims and all
parties for the incident. For that
PSSI immediately formed an
investigation team and
immediately left for Malang."

Arema had pegged Persebaya

back after falling 2-0 behind on
Saturday (October 1) night with
Abel Camara scoring twice for the
hosts. But they conceded again in
the second half and were unable
to find a response.

Supporters climbed over fences to try and escape the smoke clouds 
Losing the Super East Java Derby,
which has grown to be a fierce
rivalry, proved too much for some
Arema fans as they invaded the
pitch. Police pushed them back
into the stands, hitting some with
their batons and kicking others.

Tear gas was then launched on

the pitch and into the stands as
the situation escalated. Fans
struggled to find refuge and many
have subsequently lost their lives
after falling to the ground or
being trampled on.

Local media outlet Kompas claims the tear gas did not disperse, leading to
shortness of breathe and unconsciousness. Arema players are said to have
carried some of those impacted off of the pitch.
Pictures showed police cars burnt out on the pitch after the chaos inside the
ground had ended, while the rioting continued on the streets long after the
match had ended.

Persebaya's official Twitter account has posted: "Persebaya's extended family

deeply mourns the loss of life after the Arema FC vs Persebaya match. No single
life is worth football. We pray for the victims and may the families left behind be
given strength."

Gianni Infantino was horrified by the "dark day" for all of those involved in football
following the events in Indonesia.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “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”.

“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," he added.

Riots broke out after Arema FC had lost to their rivals Persebaya Surabaya.

"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.”