FIFA, Football Community React To Stampede Leading To Over 125 Deaths

The entire football community has reacted by showing sympathy and affection on Sunday after Indonesian authorities said that at least 125 people died at a stadium there following a pitch invasion and stampede.

FIFA

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has expressed his sympathies, following the death of at least 174 spectators in a stampede during an Indonesian Premier League (Liga 1) match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya, calling it “a dark day”.

The game ended with Arema defeated 3-2 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang on Saturday before a riot ensued on the field among the fans forcing police to use tear gas to try and disperse the rioters.

The Police chief of East Java, Nico Afinta, claimed that victims died after being crushed and suffocated as they rushed for the same exit, claiming that 3,000 of the roughly 40,000 spectators present had invaded the pitch and started “riots”.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has begun an investigation into the tragedy, and FIFA’s Infantino issued the following statement:

“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia. This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension. I extend 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, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time.”

PLAYERS

"Devastating to hear of the events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia last night. Shocking news."

FORMER ENGLAND STAR WAYNE ROONEY.

"Heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families."

– Spain defender Sergio Ramos.

"My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Indonesia holds a special place in my heart."

– England women's captain Leah Williamson

"Horrendous news coming out of Indonesia about the events at the Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang. My thoughts are with everyone affected."

EX-ENGLAND STRIKER MICHAEL OWEN.

"We send our sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and everyone affected."

MANCHESTER UNITED

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia. Our thoughts are with all those affected."

MANCHESTER CITY.

"FC Barcelona is pained by the tragic events at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia and rejects all acts of violence both on and off the field."

BARCELONA.

"Paris Saint-Germain would like to offer its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the stadium tragedy in Malang, Indonesia."

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia. There should never be violence at a football match."

PREMIER LEAGUE

"Sending our condolences and thoughts to the victims, the families and everyone affected by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia."

ITALY'S SERIE A.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear such tragic news coming out of football-loving Indonesia."

– Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.