FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reflected on a "dark day" for football as at least 174 fans died after a riot broke out following Arema FC's league clash against Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia.
Supporters invaded the pitch at the end of the game at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang. The death toll is continuing to rise as multiple other supporters were rushed to local Kanjuruhan and Wava Husada hospitals. Two police officers also died in the incident.
Akhmad Hadian Lukita, who is the president of PT Liga Indonesia Baru, said: "We are concerned and deeply regret this incident. We share our condolences and hopefully, this will be a valuable lesson for all of us."
Infantino has responded to the events in Indonesia and has sent his condolences to those affected by one of the worst tragedies football has ever seen.
"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."
The stadium holds 42,000 and local authorities said it was a complete sell-out as Police claimed that about 3,000 people had stormed the pitch. Vehicles outside the stadium were also torched, including at least five police cars and trucks.
All remaining BRI Liga 1 fixtures scheduled for this weekend have been postponed following the events, while the Indonesian FA has confirmed Arema will not host any more games for the rest of the season, which is scheduled to end on 22 April 2023.
Persebaya won the East Jarva derby 3-2 and it promoted thousands of fans of the hosts, Arema, to enter the field of play from the stands. This led to multiple local police and members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces moving to enforce security, with players of Persebaya escorted off the pitch and to safety.
