After the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya (2-3) in Indonesia, things went completely wrong. Supporters of the home team rushed onto the field to express their dismay. At least 125 spectators have died after riots broke out. North Hollanders Nick van der Velden and Melvin Platje both played football in Indonesia at Bali United and were shocked by the disaster.
There was panic in the stadium after the police started throwing tear gas canisters. In the chaos, supporters were crushed. “A friend from Indonesia called me with the news,” says Melvin Platje, who played in Indonesia for four years. “Of course I was very shocked. I understood that women and children were also crushed.”
The duel between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya is a real classic. “In addition to those clubs, you also have Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta. Those are the four largest clubs in Indonesia,” says Nick van der Velden, who played football for Bali United in the 2017/18 season.
No audience
“Persebaya was not allowed to be present from the public, because this was seen as a risky match,” the former football player outlines. “Arema lost for the first time in 23 years. It’s a big club with a lot of fans, who demand that you become champions. If that doesn’t happen, the supporters will already be rumbling.”
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armored cars
Van der Velden and Platje played together at Bali United. After a match against PSM Makassar, they were taken away in armored cars. Van der Velden: “The police did not intervene properly. I think FIFA does not even allow you to use tear gas. It is very serious that this can still happen at this time.”
“The stadium was of course completely full, because of the derby”, Platje knows. “Arema is a club with many supporters. It is scandalous how the police have intervened.” For the time being, the competition has come to a standstill in Indonesia. “They have to think carefully about how they are going to improve safety. Maybe they should play without supporters. I also think it’s very bad for the families.”