Pope prays for those killed when soccer match turned deadly

A home team loss brought angry fans to the field and police reacted with tear gas.

Pope Francis prayed for those who lost their lives at a soccer match in Indonesia on Saturday.

The Pope mentioned the tragedy after he led the midday Angelus today at St. Peter’s Square.

I also pray for those who have lost their life and those who have been injured in the clashes that broke out after a football match in Malang in Indonesia.

More than 120 people were killed, and perhaps nearly 200, when the hometown Arema soccer team lost 3-2 to longtime rivals Persebaya Surabaya. Fans rushed the field and were apparently getting violent when police responded by firing tear gas.

This led to a stampede toward the exit – a situation worsened by the fact that the stadium was over sold – leading to many people being crushed.

Soccer violence is a repeat problem in Indonesia. President Joko Widodo has called for a thorough investigation.