Fights between supporters of two rival soccer teams in East Java, Indonesia, led to a massive riot and a stampede, killing at least 129 people.
Authorities said most of those killed at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malong either suffocated or were trampled to death trying to get out of the stadium after chaos erupted and police fired tear gas, the Associated Press reported.
Soccer club Arema lost 3-2 to Persebaya Surabaya, and Arema fans reportedly proceeded to run onto the field after the defeat. Among the 129 killed were two police officers. Another 180 people were injured during the riot.
Nearly 3,000 fans stormed the field after the game, according to local reports, and multiple vehicles were torched and damaged.
Shocking video of the event showed hundreds of people running off the field as police ran onto the field in riot gear and hit people with batons.
#Indonesian soccer match riot, stampede leaves more than 120 dead
اكثر من 120 قتيل في مباراة كرة قدم في إندونيسيا pic.twitter.com/KWMzEf6jG5— AlSaMa🕛 (@sama_nile) October 2, 2022
NEW – Over 100 people were killed tonight in riots that broke out at a football match in Indonesia.pic.twitter.com/hGZEwQyHmL
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 1, 2022
East Java Police Chief Nico Afinta said the death count is likely to increase as many of the 180 injured were in critical condition. Afinta defended the use of tear gas, saying there was “anarchy,” according to The New York Times.
“They were about to attack the officers and had damaged the cars,” he said.