On the Foreign Scene
Report has it that at least 174 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a riot and a stampede at an Indonesian football stadium.
Supporters of Arema FC and rival Persebaya Surabaya clashed after home team Arema FC was defeated 3-2 at a match in the city of Malang in East Java.
East Java police chief Nico Afinta said during a press conference that supporters from the losing team had invaded the pitch and police fired tear gas, triggering a stampede which led to cases of suffocation, following the event.
Nico said that the fans started attacked officers and damaged cars.
The Police chief said that two police officers were among the dead and 180 people were also injured, the police chief said, adding that the crush occurred when fans fled for an exit gate.
According to Nico, when Arema FC lost 2-3 in the match against Persebaya Surabaya, their supporters stormed onto the field in anger.
While speaking to CNN, Indonesia, Sports and Youth Minister Zainudin Amali said he has asked for a full investigation into the tragedy to determine the parties responsible.
He said he is coordinating with the national to investigate the matter.
Located in East Java, the Kanjuruhan Stadium is used mostly for soccer matches and is estimated to hold up to 42,500 people.
While officials have not yet confirmed how many people were in attendance at the stadium during Saturday’s late night match, video footage and pictures taken by fans showed full stands of people.
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