After the stadium disaster in Malang, Indonesia, European football is commemorating the at least 133 victims, while the local authorities are taking further action. The death toll after the deadly mass panic rose to 133.
The European Football Union announced that there will be a minute's silence before the start of all matches in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League as well as the women's World Cup play-offs this week.
According to the latest information from the Indonesian government, 91 men and 42 women were killed in the riots after the first division game between Arema FC and Persebaya FC on Saturday. At least 37 children and young people between the ages of three and 17 were among the dead.
place storm
Thousands of fans stormed the pitch of Kanjuruhan Stadium after the end of the Premier League match between Arema FC and Persebaya FC in Malang city. The police used tear gas on a massive scale and pushed people back into the stands with batons. A mass panic ensued, and for many there was no escape. Most of the victims died from lack of oxygen or were trampled to death. Hundreds of spectators were injured. It is one of the worst stadium disasters in football history.
Further personnel consequences were drawn on Tuesday. Two Arema FC officials have been banned for life, the Indonesian Football Association said. "Abdul Haris, as senior match organizer, and Suko Sutrisno, as match safety coordinator, are banned from footballing activities for life," said Erwin Tobing, a member of the federation's Disciplinary Committee (PSSI). In addition, Arema will not be allowed to host any more games for the rest of the season and will have to pay a fine of 250 million rupees (16,600 euros).
The police chief of the city of Malang, Ferli Hidayat, was relieved of his post on Monday. Nine other officers were suspended. At least 28 police officers are being investigated for alleged breaches of professional ethics.
team of experts deployed
The government also deployed an independent team of experts to clarify the background. This is to investigate why the police even used tear gas on the crowded square. According to FIFA's own rules, its use in stadiums is prohibited. However, local authorities and national associations can decide on the safety rules for their competitions themselves, and the FIFA regulations are then only a recommendation.
Meanwhile, the Arema Malang manager reported shocking pictures in the dressing room. "When I went back to the dressing room, there was already chaos," said former Chilean pro Javier Roca, according to a report by The New York Times. Many people had difficulty breathing. A fan died in the arms of a player. "The players are devastated," said Roca. "You witnessed the first death in the dressing room. Then the second, the third, the fourth." Some of the victims they saw were children who couldn't breathe.
