Following the tragic events that occurred at the Indonesian Kanjuruhan Stadium, the football community has reacted with sympathy and criticism.
One of the deadliest stadium accidents in history claimed at least 125 lives during a crush at an Indonesian football game.
In Malang, East Java, late on Saturday, hundreds of people were harmed as a result of the home team Arema FC’s defeat by ferocious rivals.
180 persons were injured as a result of the conflict, and over 120 deaths were confirmed by the authorities, according to Wiyanto Wijoyo, head of the health office for the Malang Regency.
No “crowd control gas” shall be carried by stewards or police during games, according to Fifa, the organization that oversees football worldwide.
According to the organisation’s president, Gianni Infantino, it was “a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension”.
“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia,” Infantino said.
“This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension.”
He went further, “I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident.
“Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time.”
In a statement to Reuters, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened to hear such tragic news coming out of football-loving Indonesia”.
Clubs will have a moment of silence before the start of Sunday’s games as a sign of respect, as agreed upon by La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Tweet from Liverpool: “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.”
Spain defender Sergio Ramos called the incident heartbreaking, “Heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Ajax’s club account also tweeted, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia. There should never be violence at a football match.”
