Fans mourn victims of Indonesian stadium stampede at Friday prayers

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
More
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Fans mourn victims of Indonesian stadium stampede at Friday prayers

Updated
Fans mourn victims of Indonesian stadium stampede at Friday prayers
Fans mourn victims of Indonesian stadium stampede at Friday prayersReuters
Indonesians gathered for Friday prayers mourned 131 people killed in a soccer stampede six days ago, amid calls for a prompt investigation into one of the world's most deadly stadium disasters to enable its victims to rest in peace.

Most of those killed after the match in the town of Malang, in East Java province, died of asphyxiation, caught in a panicked crush as they tried to flee after police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse a rowdy crowd.

At Al Fatih Mosque near Malang an Islamic preacher led a tearful recital of tahlilan, or special prayers for the dead.

"Many of the supporters demand the case be immediately resolved so the souls of those who died can rest in peace," said 53-year-old soccer fan Widodo after joining the prayer.

Widodo, who like many Indonesians uses one name, had been at Saturday's match but left early fearing things could turn bad.

Police have named six suspects in an investigation into the stampede, including match organisers and three officers who were present.

The deadly incident has fuelled accusations of heavy-handed policing in the soccer-mad Southeast Asian nation, with the use of tear gas inside the stadium - prohibited by world soccer body FIFA - widely criticised.

Messages and posters have been plastered on the stadium's doors and walls, some demanding an end to "police brutality", and Amnesty International Indonesia said on Friday that the tragedy "shows what can happen when excessive use of force by security forces is allowed to go on with impunity."

Later on Friday, President Joko Widodo said FIFA would not impose sanctions over the stampede and the government will work with football authorities to improve stadium safety standards.

"FIFA, together with the government, will form a team to transform Indonesia's soccer and FIFA will work in Indonesia during the process," he said in a video statement, adding that FIFA president Gianni Infantino would visit in October or November.

A copy of a FIFA letter in the video statement dated October 5 read: "Despite the severity of the event, and the fact that it could warrant a suspension by FIFA, a collaborative effort on the... immediate actions are proposed to be undertaken..."

These include a review and upgrade of stadium safety standards, police and stewarding protocols, social engagement with clubs and suppporters and match scheduling.

The letter said this would be carried out with the joint oversight and involvement of FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Indonesian government in collaboration with the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

FIFA declined to comment.

21+ | COMPETENT REGULATOR EEEP | RISK OF ADDICTION & LOSS OF PROPERTY | KETHEA HELPLINE: 210 9237777 | PLAY RESPONSIBLY & SAFELY |

France gouvernement

Les jeux d’argent et de hasard peuvent être dangereux : pertes d’argent, conflits familiaux, addiction…

Retrouvez nos conseils sur joueurs-info-service.fr (09-74-75-13-13, appel non surtaxé)

Do you want to withdraw your consent to display betting ads?
Yes, change settings