An Indonesian league football match has suffered a fatal death toll of at least 125 after an invasion of the playing field generated serious incidents between the public and security forces.

Local authorities today confirmed that the death toll is 125 people and explained that the 174 reported in the first instance were due to an error in counting the bodies.

“The balance sheet is currently 125 dead. 124 bodies have been identified, one remains to be identified. Some names were registered twice because some people were referred to other hospitals and registered twice,” East Java provincial deputy governor Emil Dardak was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

The tragedy happened at Kanjuruhan Stadium in the Javanese region of Malang, Indonesia, after a football match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya.

The incidents began when Arema FC fans took to the pitch in anger over their side’s 3-2 loss to the classic rivals which hadn’t happened in over 20 years.

The situation was complicated when the security forces tried to persuade the supporters (about three thousand) with tear gas.

The panic of more than 40,000 people who came to the stadium caused a huge human stampede and many victims were trampled or choked to death, according to official reports.

Among the fatal victims are children between the ages of 12 and 17 and a confirmed one just 5 years old. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the suspension of all domestic league matches until what he calls a “genuine humanitarian action”. the tragedy.

“This cannot be repeated in the future,” the president said during an appearance before the Nation and added, “I call on the security forces, and in particular the police headquarters, to immediately investigate about what happened.”

For its part, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) had previously indicated that it “regrets the actions of the supporters” and reported that an investigation team had been set up in the city of Malang where the stadium is located.

This incident “stains the face of Indonesian football”, reports the PSSI, which has stopped the Ligue 1 2022/2023 competition “for the moment” for “a week”, while Arema FC “has been banned from welcome for the rest of the season. competition this season.

The Chilean Javier Roca, the coach of Arema, gave an interview to the Ser channel from Spain and told part of the drama.

“4 supporters died in our dressing room in the arms of some of my players,” said Roca, who pointed to the uncontrollable madness of football in Indonesia.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement calling the event “a tragedy beyond comprehension”.

“The football world is shocked after the tragic incidents that took place in Indonesia at the end of the game between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at Kanjuruhan Stadium,” Infantino said.

“Today is a dark day for everyone associated with football, and it is a tragedy beyond belief. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives after this tragic incident,” the FIFA chief added.