The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) decreed this Sunday a minute of silence in the competitions it organizes, specifically the Portuguese Cup, in memory of the victims of the tragedy that occurred in Indonesia.
“The Board of Directors of the Portuguese Football Federation decrees a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the tragedy that occurred in a football stadium in Indonesia. The tribute will be paid in all the matches of the competitions organized by the FPF”, can be read in a statement published on the official website of the organization.
In the same note, the president of the FPF, Fernando Gomes, says that “it was with great astonishment and a feeling of deep pain, but also of revolt” that he learned “of the events of tragic proportions that occurred in a stadium in Indonesia” .
“I regret with great sadness the dramatic consequences of this tragedy that resulted in the death of more than 170 supporters, including many children. A football stadium should be the scene of celebration and joy and never of violence and death”, he concluded. The minute of silence will be respected in the competitions organized by the FPF, specifically in the Portuguese Cup, whose second round takes place this weekend.
Indonesian authorities said riots at the end of a football match in East Java had killed 174 people, but admitted the toll could rise as many were critically injured.
The tragedy, one of the worst in football history, took place on Saturday night, when some 3,000 fans invaded the pitch after the local team, Arema FC, lost 3-2 to rival Persebaya. Surabaya. Police used tear gas to try to control angry supporters, but their action ended in panic, with thousands running for the exit. Many of the people were trampled to death in the chaos of the stampede.
In the riots, which spread outside the stadium, at least two policemen were killed. The Indonesian championship was suspended and authorities ordered an investigation into the incidents.
Source: Observadora
