The tragedy occurred on Saturday night after a football match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at Kanjuruhan Stadium in the eastern city of Malang. At least 174 people are feared dead in a stampede at a football match in Indonesia, making it one of the world’s worst stadium disasters.
The game ended 3-2 in favour of the away side, Persebaya Surabaya, meaning that the home team, Arema FC, had lost to their bitter rivals, so according to the Police, the fans invaded the pitch at full time. The fans were so chaotic that they destroyed properties and started attacking Police officers. About 3000 fans entered the pitch, and the Police had to use tear gas on them, which led to them trying to get out of the stadium.
The process of the fans attempting to get out of the stadium caused the stampede. The Police said there was a build-up; in the process of accumulation, there was shortness of breath and a lack of oxygen because most of the fans went to one exit when chased by the Police.
The development comes a few months after a similar fan action took place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup.
In March, the Black Stars of Ghana ended Nigeria’s dream of becoming the first African country to qualify for four consecutive World Cups.
Many football dignitaries have paid their respects and tributes, as well as Football Clubs worldwide.
The remaining Liga 1 fixtures for the week have been postponed, and Arema FC has been barred from hosting matches for the time being.
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