Jakarta: PSSI Sends Condolences After Another Fan Dies in Football Violence
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Jakarta. Indonesia’s national football governing body has sent its condolences to the relatives of a 17-year-old football fan who was killed in a brawl during a Liga 2 match between Persita Tangerang and PSMS Medan at Mini Persikabo Stadium in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday (11/10).
The incident occurred after Persita supporters invaded the pitch at the end of the match, which PSMS won by 1-0. Fighting broke out after Persita supporters reportedly provoked PSMS supporters.
Several media outlets reported that the victim, Banu Rusman, was allegedly attacked by PSMS supporters who are members of the Indonesian Military (TNI). PSMS has enjoyed close ties with the military since Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chairman Edy Rahmayadi, a serving army general, chaired the club. Soldiers regularly attend the club’s matches at the stadium.
Banu suffered a severe head injury in the attack and died in a hospital in Jakarta on Thursday.
“We send our deepest condolences,” PSSI secretary general Ratu Tisha Destria said in a statement.
“We pray that another victim, who was injured, will recover soon. The PSSI disciplinary commission will process the case,” PSSI deputy chairman Joko Driyono said.
The PSSI said in the statement that Edy placed a temporary ban on members of the military entering the stadium.
TNI members also regularly visit the stadium to support PS TNI, another military-affiliated club, which currently plays in Indonesia’s top-tier Liga 1.
“I’m concerned about the incident and I am sending prayers to the victim’s family,” Edy said. “I will investigate this case but from what I had seen, the PSMS supporters were provoked first, which resulted in 15 soldiers also suffering head injuries.”
Earlier this month, two martial arts fighters were allegedly killed by supporters of Persebaya Surabaya, which also plays in Liga 2
Courtesy: The Jakarta Globe
