Man Utd issue statement after nearly 200 fans including children die in football pitch rio | Football | Sport
Manchester United have sent their condolences to those affected by the tragic events that occurred in Malang, Indonesia, overnight. At least 174 fans are thought to be dead after a serious riot at a match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya.
Along with the growing death toll, over 180 fans have also sustained injuries and investigations are ongoing. The Red Devils responded to the matter, tweeting: “Manchester United is deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang, Indonesia.
“We send our sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and everyone affected.” It is widely believed that the riots began when fans stormed the pitch after the full time whistle sounded, with Arema losing the match 3-2.
Police then responded by using tear gas against those supporters, with tensions already boiling over between the two clubs given that they are fierce rivals. Riots then broke out, with a stampede leading to adults and children dying.
Footage on social media has shown fans trying to flee areas by climbing over fences, with young children also caught up in what is set to be one of the worst stadium disasters in history. It is believed that the tear gas also killed some supporters, unable to flee areas where the chemical was most prominent.
Local reports say that a few Arema players were caught up in the fighting after the match, being attacked by angry supporters having watched their side suffer their first home defeat in 23 years. Officials were also attacked with missiles and other objects.
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