Reactions in the world of football are mounting after the disaster that left at least 125 people dead during a mass movement at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, Indonesia, as thousands of fans rushed onto the field on Saturday and were tear gassed by police .
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An unimaginable tragedy,” said the President of the International Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino. “The football world is in shock after the tragic events in Indonesia,” added the Swiss head of state, speaking of “a black day for everyone who loves football”.
“The RFEF deeply regrets this tragedy and condemns any act of violence, especially when it takes place in a festive setting, as it should always be at a football match” (Spanish Football Federation).
A minute’s silence will be held in Spanish stadiums ahead of Sunday’s matches to commemorate the victims of the disaster, La Liga announced.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Premier League are with those affected by the tragic events at Kanjuruhan Stadium” (The Premier League).
“We send our condolences and thoughts to the victims, families and all those affected by the tragedy in Malang” (Italian Serie A).
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of such tragic events from Indonesia, a football-loving country” (Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa).
“We are shocked by the tragedy in Malang. We express our deepest condolences to the victims, their friends, families and all those affected” (Deutscher Bund).
“It is terrible to hear the news of the Kanjuhuran Stadium disaster in Indonesia last night (Saturday). This is very sad news,” said former British soccer player Wayne Rooney.
“It’s annoying. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims” (Spanish defender Sergio Ramos).
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Indonesia holds a special place in my heart” (Leah Williamson, England women’s soccer team captain).
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected” (Manchester United).
“We are very sad to learn of the tragic events that took place at Kanjuruhan Stadium. Our thoughts are with all those affected” (Manchester City).
“FC Barcelona is dismayed by the tragic events at Kanjuruhan Stadium and rejects any act of violence on or off the pitch” (FC Barcelona).
“Paris Saint-Germain would like to express its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy at Malang stadium” (Le Paris Saint-Germain).
“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Malang. During a football match (Ajax Amsterdam) violent events should never occur.