FIFA release statement after ‘tragedy beyond comprehension’ in Indonesian stadium

‘This is a dark day for all involved in football’

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said the football world is in a state of shock after a crush left at least 125 people dead at a stadium in Indonesia.

The incident, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters, took place at the Kanjurugan Stadium in Malang, East Java on Saturday after Arema FC lost at home to rivals Persebaya.

The stadium was reportedly overcrowded, with some supporters spilling onto the pitch at the end of the game. Police responded to the pitch-invasion by using tear gas, which caused thousands of supporters to surge towards the stadium’s exits in panic.

Many of those who died are reported to have suffocated close to the exits. Hundreds more were injured.

The initial death toll was put at 174, though this has since been revised. The Indonesian football association has announced that an investigation had been launched.

Flags were flown at half-mast at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich and Infantino released a short video message in which he offered his condolences.

“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia at the end of the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium,” he said.