Following Arema FC’s league match against Persebaya Surabaya, a riot in Indonesia is said to have killed dozens of football fans.
Even though no official death toll has been confirmed, several local media outlets have reported that dozens of fans died on the field at Malang’s Kanjuruhan Stadium after a pitch invasion at the end of the game. Supporters flocked to the nearby Wava Husada and Kanjuruhan hospitals.
“We lament this occurrence greatly and are concerned,” said Akhmad Hadian Lukita, president of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB). We express our condolences and hope that everyone can take something positive from this.
On Saturday night, Persebaya’s official Twitter account posted the following message: “Persebaya’s extended family deeply mourns the loss of life following the Arema FC vs. Persebaya match.” Football does not justify a single life. We pray for the victims and implore the bereaved families to be strong.
Following the incident, all BRI Liga 1 games scheduled for this week have been canceled, and the Indonesian FA has announced that Arema will not host any more games for the rest of the season.
Persebaya’s official Twitter account issued the following statement on Saturday night: “Persebaya’s extended family deeply regrets the loss of life following the Persebaya vs. Arema FC match.” One life cannot be sacrificed for the sake of football. Our prayers are with the victims, and we urge the bereaved families to remain strong.
Following the incident, the Indonesian FA has announced that Arema will not host any other matches for the remainder of the season, which will postpone all remaining BRI Liga 1 matches scheduled for this week.
Ketidakdewasaan suporter malang telah membuat sepakbola Indonesia berduka.
🇲🇨😓..ratusan nyawa melayang sia sia. pic.twitter.com/UoNYmoI1Qk— P4P1 (@Pai_C1) October 1, 2022
