FIFA president Gianni Infantino says it is a “dark day” for football after at least 125 people were killed in a crash during a soccer match in Indonesia.
Around 180 people were also injured after Arima FC’s defeat to rivals Persebaya Surabaya in East Java on Saturday.
The stampede occurred when police fired tear gas shells at those who stormed the pitch.
Infantino said that the football world is in a state of shock after the tragic events in Indonesia.
“This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension.”
As panic broke out at the Kanjurohan Stadium in Malang, thousands of people rushed to the exits, where many suffocated.
Soccer’s world governing body FIFA says “crowd control gas” should not be carried or used by stewards or police at matches.
Infantino added: “I express 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, the injured, the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time. “
The head of the Asian Football Confederation, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, told Reuters in a statement that he was deeply shocked and saddened to hear such tragic news from football-loving Indonesia.
La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have agreed that clubs will observe a minute’s silence before kick-off in Sunday’s games as a mark of respect.
La Liga said in a statement that the moment of silence would express its condolences to the people of Indonesia, especially the families of the deceased, and to wish the injured a speedy recovery.
‘There should never be violence in a football match’
A number of Premier League clubs have offered their condolences to the victims of the disaster.
Liverpool tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the events at the Kanjurohan Stadium, Malang, Indonesia. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with those affected at this time.”
In Britain, a crush developed at Sheffield’s Hillsborough Stadium in 1989, resulting in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans attending the club’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
England captain Leah Williamson posted on Twitter: “My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy. Indonesia holds a special place in my heart.”
Spain defender Sergio Ramos described the incident as ‘heartbreaking’ while former England forward Wayne Rooney said it was ‘devastating’.
Ajax’s club account tweeted: “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia. There should never be violence in a football match.”
Barcelona said they were “disturbed by the tragic events” at the Kanjurohan stadium, adding that they “reject all acts of violence on and off the field”.
Our thoughts are with you, Indonesia. 🇮🇩 pic.twitter.com/C7VN9ybCVv
— Ajax Vrouwen (@AjaxVrouwen) October 2, 2022
