The world of football has been left reeling from the tragic events that unfolded on Saturday at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia.
At least 125 people are reported to have been killed in a crush that occurred after police fired tear gas into the crowd making it the deadliest disaster of its kind in history.
Fans of Arema FC were angry at their team’s home defeat to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya. Arema hadn’t lost a derby match at home for 23 years.
The home fans showed their disgust at the result by launching hundreds of bottles and other projectiles onto the pitch at the full time whistle.
In response to this, the police fired tear gas, which is banned in stadiums by FIFA, into the stands in an attempt to subdue the crowd, but this sadly had the opposite effect and caused panic amongst the supporters who rushed to get away from the gas and this tragically, ultimately led to the crush.
Some were suffocated and others were trampled whilst trying to escape.
The death toll is currently at least 125 but is expected to rise, over 300 people were taken to hospital and many are said to be deteriorating.
Riots had extended outside the stadium with several police cars being set on fire, and so the police felt that their response was justified when trying to control the crowd but videos shared on social media shown fans being kicked and beaten by police officers.
In light of this tragic news, clubs from around the world have expressed their condolences for the friends and family of those affected.
Liverpool FC who experienced a similar tragedy in the Hillsborough Disaster tweeted, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the events at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, Indonesia. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with all those affected at this time.”
Other clubs to express their sympathies include Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered his condolences, “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.”
The president of Indonesia Joko Widodo has said, “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.”
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“We must continue to maintain sportsmanship, humanity and a sense of brotherhood of the Indonesian nation.”
Mr Widodo has 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.