The Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister, Zainudin Amali, has left open the threat of canceling the 2022/23 BRI Liga 1 season after a riot that left at least 125 people killed on Saturday night.
The incident occurred after a match in which the host Arema FC were 2-3 defeated by their rivals Persebaya Surabaya at Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang regency, East Java.
Police used teargas in response to a pitch invasion by rioting fans, causing a crush among panicked fans.
“I will contact the Indonesian Professional League Association (LLC) and the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) to see what they plan to do next.” Amali said.
“Will the tournament continue? If it does, will there be an audience or not? ?That’s their jurisdiction.
“I was concerned when this happened. If we bring the audience into the pitch without control, the consequences will be unpredictable.
“Of course, the fans must know how to control when the home team loses. This is sport. Today you win, tomorrow you can lose. Need to educate that more for the fans.” Amali added.
Indonesian Security Minister Mahfud MD meanwhile said the number of people present exceeded the capacity of the Kanjuruhan Stadium. About 42,000 tickets have been sold, while the stadium can only hold 38,000 people.
Based on the number of deaths and injuries, the Kanjuruhan riot was the second-largest football tragedy in history, second only to the scuffle that occurred in Peru on May 24, 1964. At that time, 328 people were killed in the match between the host Peru and Argentina.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) on earlier Sunday announced that Arema would be banned from hosting home matches until the end of the season. This is the initial punishment while waiting for the results of the investigation.
