According to officials, a stampede during a riot caused at least 129 fatalities and 180 injuries at a football game in Indonesia, making it one of the deadliest stadium accidents in history.

Also read: Where is Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia?

According to East Java police chief Nico Afinta, the police fired tear gas into the crowd to break up a clash between fans of the two teams, triggering a stampede and reports of asphyxia.

Fans of the losing team flooded the pitch after the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya in the East Java region ended on Saturday night. 

Also read: Indonesia Kanjuruhan Stadium stampede: BRI Liga 1 football games suspended for a week

Persebaya Surabaya beat Arema FC 3-2 in this Indonesian Premier League match at Kanjuruhan Stadium, which is also the home ground for Arema. The two teams are long-time adversaries.

Due to concerns about altercations, Persebaya Surabaya supporters were not permitted to purchase tickets for the game.

The number of spectators surpassed the stadium’s capacity by 4,000, according to the nation’s top security official. 

The Kanjuruhan stadium only has a 38,000 capacity, but Chief Security Minister Mahfud MD said on Instagram that 42,000 tickets had been sold for the game.

In Indonesia, there have been instances of disorder at sporting events in the past, and intense rivalries between teams have occasionally led to fan violence.

Previously, one of the worst stadium accidents in history happened in Britain in April 1989 when an overcrowded, fenced-in enclosure at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield collapsed, killing 96 Liverpool supporters.

Also read: Indonesia stadium stampede: See fans clash after Persebaya Surabaya-Arema Malang match

Indonesia’s sports minister, Zainudin Amali, told KompasTV that the government will review stadium spectator safety and perhaps ban them altogether.

According to the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), the premier league in Indonesia, BRI Liga 1, has suspended play for a week following this game.

Also read: Indonesia Kanjuruhan Stadium stampede: 129 dead as fans exit football match

The FIFA Under-20 World Cup will take place in Indonesia in May and June of 2023. In addition, they are one of three nations bidding to host the Asian Cup, which is the continent’s version of the Euros, after China withdrew as the original hosts.