Umamah Bakharia | ub@radioislam.co.za

5min read
3 October 2022 | 10:45 am CAT

At least 125 people have been killed in a stampede at an Indonesian football stadium in the eastern city of Malang.

According to East Java Vice Governor Emil Dardak, the death toll was revised to 125 after it was found that some names were recorded twice. Earlier reports by officials had put the figure as high as 174.

Riots broke out at the Kanjuruhan Stadium after supporters of Arema FC failed to accept the loss against Persebaya 3-2.

Thousands of Arema supporters, known as “Aremania,” reacted by throwing bottles and other objects at players and football officials. Eyewitnesses say fans flooded the Kanjuruhan Stadium pitch and demanded that Arema management explain why this match ended in a loss after 23 years of undefeated home games.

At least five police vehicles were toppled and set ablaze amid the riots, to which police responded by firing tear gas toward the stadium’s stands, which caused panic among the crowd. By FIFA law, tear gas is banned at football stadiums.

While some fans suffocated, others were trampled upon as hundreds of people ran to the exit to avoid the tear gas.

Amidst the chaos, 34 died at the stadium, including two officers, with some reports indicating children were among the casualties.

Thus Indonesia’s football association, PSSI, has suspended the premier league Liga 1 due to the tragedy and banned Arema from hosting football matches for the remainder of the season.