Attention immediately focused on the police use of tear gas, which is banned at soccer stadiums by FIFA, world soccer’s governing body.
Indonesian police said they have sacked the police chief in the Indonesian city where clashes and a stampede at a football stadium left 125 people dead.
At least 125 people died in a stampede after tear gas fired by police sparked panic among fans rioting after a soccer match in Indonesia in one of the worst sporting tragedies in the world, according to ESPN.
Attention immediately focused on the police use of tear gas, which is banned at soccer stadiums by FIFA, world soccer’s governing body.
FIFA has called the incident "a tragedy beyond comprehension."
Some people suffocated and others were trampled in the crush as fans rushed to the exits following violence after the game Saturday evening at a stadium in the city of Malang, in East Java province.
Hosts Arema FC lost to visiting side Persebaya FC 3-2, with thousands of angry supporters throwing bottles and other objects at players and soccer officials.
Witnesses said fans flooded the Kanjuruhan Stadium field and demanded that Arema management explain why, after 23 years of undefeated home matches against rival Persebaya, this one ended in a loss.
Riot police responded by firing tear gas, some of it toward the stadium’s stands, causing panic among the crowds of fans.
Indonesian police are facing increasing pressure over their management of crowds during the stadium disaster.
However, a national police spokesman, Dedi Prasetyo told a televised press conference on Monday that at least nine local police officers have been suspended.
“Based on the investigation carried out tonight, the national police chief has made a decision to relieve Malang police chief Ferli Hidayat from his duty and replace him.
“Based on the instruction of the national police chief, the East Java police chief has suspended nine officers. They are all under investigation,” Prasetyo told the press conference, adding that 28 officers had been questioned.
Arema FC president Gilang Widya Pramana said the club was ready to accept any sanctions from Indonesia's Soccer Association and the government, adding, "hopefully, it will be a very valuable lesson."
Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud said he will lead a separate inquiry to investigate violations of law in the disaster. The team will also determine victim compensation and will complete the task in three weeks.
Rights group Amnesty International urged Indonesia to investigate the use of tear gas and ensure that those found responsible are tried in open court. While FIFA has no control over domestic games, it has advised against the use of tear gas at soccer stadiums.