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‘Heartbreaking’: FIFA, clubs, players mourn as 174 die in Indonesian stadium tragedy

FIFA has led the football world in expressing condolences to the families of the 174 people (at the last count) who died today in Indonesia during a stadium stampede.

According to reports and horrifying video footage, at least 174 people died in a crush at a football match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya this morning, making it one of the world’s worst stadium disasters ever.

The BBC reported that 180 were also injured in the aftermath of home team Arema FC’s loss to their bitter rivals at the overcrowded Kanjuruhan Stadium lin Malang, East Java.

The crush took place after police tear-gassed fans who invaded the pitch.

As panic spread, thousands rushed towards Kanjuruhan Stadium’s exits, where hundreds were suffocated.

FIFA president Gianna Infantino described the tragedy as “beyond comprehension”.

“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia at the end of the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium,” Infantino said. “This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident.

“Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time.”

A number of football clubs across the world also tweeted their shock and condolences after the devastating tragedy.

“Manchester United is deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia.

“We send our sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and everyone affected,” the English club wrote.

Fellow English clubs Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester City also expressed their sadness over the loss of lives.

Chelsea wrote: “All of us at Chelsea Football Club are deeply saddened by the events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Arsenal wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the events in Malang at the Kanjuruhan Stadium Indonesia today.

“Along with everyone who finds a connection through football, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Leicester City wrote: “We are deeply saddened by Saturday’s tragic events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia.

“The thoughts of everyone at Leicester City Football Club are with all those affected at this sad time.”

Spanish clubs Sevilla and Barcelona, as well as German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch champions Ajax, also released messages of condolence and condemnation of the action that led the the disaster.

Sevilla wrote: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia. No one should go to a football match and not come home.”

Barcelona wrote: “FC Barcelona is pained by the tragic events at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia and rejects all acts of violence both on and off the field.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims.”

Ajax wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia. There should never be violence at a football match.

“The thoughts of everyone at Ajax are with all those affected.”

PSG tweeted: “Paris Saint-Germain would like to offer its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the stadium tragedy in Malang, Indonesia.”

Bayern wrote: “FC Bayern is deeply saddened by the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia and rejects all acts of violence.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with all those affected.”

PSG star Sergio Ramos and former England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney were among the players who were also saddened by the tragic incident.

“Heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. #Indonesia,” Ramos tweeted.

Rooney wrote: “Devastating to hear of the events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia last night. Shocking news. Thoughts are with all family and friends and everyone affected.”

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Naija Times