What led to Indonesian football disaster that claimed 174 lives? Details here
On Saturday night, violence and a stampede broke out at a football match in Indonesia, resulting in more than 170 fatalities and 180 injuries.
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
Arema Football Club played Persebaya Surabaya on Saturday, at the home stadium of the former. To prevent potential riots by supporters of the two teams, only Arema supporters were permitted inside. However, following Persebaya's 3-2 victory, hordes of enraged supporters descended onto the field and hurled bottles and other objects at players and referees.
According to a report from the local media, individuals overturned and damaged police vehicles when the riots spilt outside.
Later, the police used tear gas, which caused panic and a stampede for the exits. The stadium had sold 42,000 tickets against a capacity of 38,000. As many as 174 people lost their lives due to the stampede and suffocation, including a five-year-old boy and two police officers. Numerous victims are said to be in critical condition. The victims will receive financial assistance from the government.
The safety rules set forth by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the world's governing body, forbid the employment of any crowd control agents or weapons. East Java police did not immediately react to a request for comment on whether they were aware of such restrictions. A PSSI team has been deployed to Malang to investigate after FIFA requested a report from Indonesia's PSSI football association regarding the event.
According to a report from the local media, individuals overturned and damaged police vehicles when the riots spilt outside.
Later, the police used tear gas, which caused panic and a stampede for the exits. The stadium had sold 42,000 tickets against a capacity of 38,000. As many as 174 people lost their lives due to the stampede and suffocation, including a five-year-old boy and two police officers. Numerous victims are said to be in critical condition. The victims will receive financial assistance from the government.
FIFA has recently banned AIFF, All India Football Federation, over third-party interference. FIFA follows a strict policy when it comes to third parties interfering with football.This is, however, not the first when a country got banned by the governing body. Here is the list of countries banned by FIFA besides India over third-party interference.
The safety rules set forth by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the world's governing body, forbid the employment of any crowd control agents or weapons. East Java police did not immediately react to a request for comment on whether they were aware of such restrictions. A PSSI team has been deployed to Malang to investigate after FIFA requested a report from Indonesia's PSSI football association regarding the event.
FAQs
- What was the President's response to the incident?
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered a probe into the issue. In addition, he mandated the suspension of the top soccer league until a review of safety preparations. - Will Arema be able to host the next matches?
Arema has been barred from hosting games for the remainder of the season by Indonesia's football governing body.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
