Indonesian football riot leaves 174 dead as tragedy strikes after fatal stampede

A fatal stampede at an Indonesian football match has claimed at least 174 lives.

Authorities in the Javanese region of Malang have told local media of a staggering loss of life as the fixture between Arema and Persebaya Surabaya descended into violence at the Kanjuruhan Stadium. Chaos broke out after Persebaya Surabaya won 3-2 with scores of Arema fans reportedly storming the pitch at full-time.

Local reports indicate the stampede occurred when police fired tear gas into the crowd after they entered the pitch. Authorities have stated that a further 180 people are injured with "many in a deterioriating condition" in what is already one of the worst stadium disasters in football history.

TV footage showed unconscious supporters being carried away by other fans. FIFA specifies in its safety regulations that no firearms or "crowd control gas" should be carried or used by stewards or police.

Indonesia's chief security minister, Mahfud MD, has stated on social media that the 38,000 capacity stadium was filled well over capacity, alleging that 42,000 tickets had been issued for the match.

Images show a number of vehicles, many of them police cars, were set alight inside the stadium. Football bosses have suspended the league with immediate effect while an investigation, and FIFA have also ordered a probe into the tragic scenes.