The gates at the exit of Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, where 131 people died on Saturday after a football match, are too small, Indonesian police said on Tuesday.
Authorities have released photos of six of the stadium’s 14 gates, where most of the incidents took place, which began when around 3,000 supporters barged onto the pitch after the home side, Arema FC, defeated rivals Persebaya Surabaya, 3-2.
“These gates were open, but they are very small. Two people were able to pass and there were hundreds trying to get out,” explained Dedi Prasetyo, a police spokesman, adding that the exit zones are the responsibility of the event organizers. .
The match was attended only by supporters of the home side, Arema FC, as the organizers banned the presence of Persebaya Surabaya supporters due to the history of rivalry and violence in Indonesian football.
According to witnesses, the incidents took place towards the end of the match, with Arema FC losing to Persebaya Surabaia for the first time in 23 years, as fans of the home side took to the field and threw objects at the players and coaching staff.
At least five police vehicles were set on fire outside the stadium.
Police used tear gas to contain angry supporters, but their action sparked panic, with thousands of people running for the exit.
Many people were trampled to death in the chaos of the stampede and the rioting spread to the outside of the stadium.
Indonesian federation suspends two Arema FC officials ‘for life’
The Indonesian Football Association has suspended two directors of Arema FC “for life”.
Match organizer Abdul Harris and a member of security, Suko Sutrisno, were “banned for life from any activity in the world of football,” Indonesia Federation Disciplinary Committee chairman Erwin Tobing announced.
Speaking at a press conference, the manager added that Arema FC will have to pay a fine of 250 million Indonesian rupees (about 16,500 euros).
East Java police chief Nico Afinta said most of the deaths were caused by the stampede of supporters, many of whom suffocated as they tried to leave the stadium. Many of the people were trampled to death in the chaos of the stampede.
Indonesian authorities initially said 174 were killed in the riots, but the official figure has since been revised to 131, though it could rise as many were seriously injured.
The Indonesian championship was suspended and authorities ordered an investigation into the incidents.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has decided to observe a minute of silence at the competitions it organizes, namely the Portuguese Cup, in memory of the victims of the tragedy that occurred in Indonesia.
Source: DN
