Panic and a chaotic run for exits after police fired tear gas at an Indonesian football match to drive away rioting fans left at least 125 dead, most of whom were trampled or suffocated. At least 180 others were injured.
It was one of the deadliest sports events in the world. Attention focused on the police use of tear gas, which is banned at football stadiums by Fifa.
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The president of the sport's world body called the deaths at the stadium "a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension," while President Joko Widodo ordered an investigation of security procedures.
Riots broke out after the game ended on Saturday night with host Arema of East Java's Malang city losing to Persebaya of Surabaya 3-2.
Disappointed with their team's loss, thousands of supporters of Arema, known as "Aremania," reacted by throwing bottles and other objects at players and officials.
Witnesses said fans flooded the Kanjuruhan Stadium pitch and demanded that Arema management explain why, after 23 years of undefeated home matches against Persebaya, this one ended in a loss.
The violence spread outside the stadium where at least five police vehicles were toppled and set ablaze. Riot police responded by firing tear gas, including toward the stadium's stands, causing panic among the crowd. Thirty-four died at the stadium, including two officers.
"We had already done preventive action before finally firing the tear gas as fans began to attack police, acting anarchically and burning vehicles," said East Java police chief Nico Afinta.
More than 300 were rushed to hospitals but many died on the way and during treatment.
Indonesia's football association, known as PSSI, suspended the premier Liga 1 indefinitely and banned Arema from hosting matches for the remainder of the season.
"I hope this is the last football tragedy in this country. Don't let another human tragedy like this happen in the future," Widodo said in a televised speech. He ordered the youth and sports minister, the national police chief and the PSSI chair to conduct a thorough evaluation of the country's football and its security procedure.
Ferli Hidayat, police chief of Malang, said there were 42,000 spectators, all of whom were Arema supporters because the organizer had banned Persebaya fans from the stadium in an effort to avoid brawls.
Youth and sports minister Zainudin Amali said "this tragedy happened when we are preparing for activities, both national and international level."
Indonesia is due to host the 2023 Fifa under-20 World Cup from May 20 to June 11.
"Unfortunately, this incident has certainly injured our image," Amali said.
"Devastating to hear of the events. Shocking news," said Former England star Wayne Rooney.
The game is among the world's worst crowd disasters, including the 1996 World Cup qualifier between Guatemala and Costa Rica in Guatemala City where more than 80 died. ASSOCIATED PRESS
