The death toll from a stampede and riot at an Indonesian football game has risen to 174, according to a government official on Sunday.
Officers fired tear gas to disperse supporters of the losing home team who stormed the pitch in East Java province late Saturday, causing a stampede and cases of suffocation, according to East Java police chief Nico Afinta.
According to Deputy East Java Governor Emil Dardak, more than 100 people were injured in the incident and are being treated in eight hospitals.
A video circulated on social media shows fans dressed in red and blue storming the pitch after Arema FC’s 3-2 loss to Persebaya Surabaya and clashing with security forces, who appeared to be wearing riot gear.
After the stampede, Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said authorities would reevaluate safety at football matches and consider not allowing spectators.
Because of the tragedy, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has suspended next week’s matches and barred Arema FC from hosting matches for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, stated: “I must emphasise that the tragedy was not the result of a clash between Persebaya fans and Arema. Because Persebaya fans were not permitted to attend that game.”