‘Tragedy beyond comprehension’: Football world in mourning after Indonesian stadium stampede

The football community is “deeply shocked and saddened” after one of the world’s worst stadium disasters claimed at least 174 lives.

The football community is in mourning after one of the world’s worst stadium disasters claimed at least 174 lives in Malang, East Java in Indonesia over the weekend.

Persebaya Surabaya claimed a 3-2 victory over rivals Arema Malang in an Indonesian Liga 1 football contest at Kanjuruhan Stadium on Saturday evening, with spectators storming the field after the final whistle.

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According to East Java police chief Nico Afinta, police fired tear gas into the venue after brawls erupted among supporters in the stands, prompting hundreds of patrons to desperately scramble towards exit gates.

Several people suffocated and fainted in the chaos, while others were trampled.

In footage from the incident that circulated social media on Sunday, police were seen kicking and beating people with batons as they attempted to run from the field.

Arema footballers were attacked in the chaos, according to local reports, while at least 300 people were rushed to nearby hospitals.

At least 174 people, including two police officers, have been killed.

A group of people carry a man at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java. Photo by AFP

Arema FC coach Javier Roca posted: “Fans died in the arms of players. I’m mentally shattered. I feel a heavy burden, even a heavy responsibility.”

Former England star Wayne Rooney tweeted: “Devastating to hear of the events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia last night. Shocking news.”

Spanish defender Sergio Ramos wrote: “Heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

England women’s captain Leah Williamson tweeted: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Indonesia holds a special place in my heart.”

Former England striker Michael Owen posted: “Horrendous news coming out of Indonesia about the events at the Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang. My thoughts are with everyone affected.”

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola wrote: “Terrible, absolutely terrible. The world is crazy … Best thoughts to the families.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino tweeted: “A dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension.”

Asian Football Confederation president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa wrote: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear such tragic news coming out of football-loving Indonesia.”

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach tweeted: “My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims of the terrible stampede in a football stadium in Indonesia.”

Manchester United is deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia.

We send our sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and everyone affected.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 2, 2022

We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia.

Our thoughts are with all those affected.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 2, 2022

FC Barcelona is pained by the tragic events at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia and rejects all acts of violence both on and off the field.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims.

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 2, 2022

Paris Saint-Germain would like to offer its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the stadium tragedy in Malang, Indonesia.

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) October 2, 2022

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia. There should never be violence at a football match.

The thoughts of everyone at Ajax are with all those affected.

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 2, 2022

Akhmad Hadian Lukita, president of the PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), issued a statement after the incident.

“We are concerned and deeply regret this incident,” he said.

“We share our condolences and hopefully this will be a valuable lesson for all of us.”

Indonesia FA (PSSI) president Mochamad Iriawan also released a statement: “PSSI regrets the actions of Armenia supporters at the Kanjuruhan Stadium.

“We are sorry and apologise to the families of the victims and all parties for the incident. For that PSSI immediately formed an investigation team and immediately left for Malang.”

Indonesian president Joko Widodo has ordered a pause on all the country’s top league matches as authorities investigate Sunday’s tragedy.

A torched vehicle outside Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java. Photo by AFP

— with AFP