Persib Vs Persija Supporter Clashes In Bekasi, 37 People Arrested

Illustration of brawls (ANTARA)

BEKASI - Police arrested 37 people after clashes between supporters during the Persija Jakarta vs Persib Bandung match at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi City, West Java, Sunday afternoon.

As many as 37 supporters who were arrested by the police were suspected of being victims of the tantrums of the masses during the Persija vs Persib match which ended with a score of 2-2.

Kasatreskrim Polres Metro Bekasi, Kompol Binsar Hatorangan Sianturi, said that his party was still investigating the cause of the clash between Persija supporters and Persib.

"We are conducting an investigation," Binsar said in his statement, Monday, February 17.

Of the 37 people arrested by the police, 22 of them are suspected of being supporters of Persib or Bobotoh, while the other 15 are supporters of Persija or Jakmania who are thought to be supporters of the opposing team.

"We arrested 22 victims suspected of being Persib supporters and 15 Persija supporters who were mistaken for Persib supporters," he said in connection with the clashes.

Chaos occurred in the spectator stands when the first half was still ongoing. Tensions then also spread to areas outside the stadium.

A number of people were victims of beatings by emotional masses and accused them of supporting Persib Bandung. In addition to physical clashes, the two supporters' camps also insulted each other.

Several victims who were injured as a result of the clash were immediately evacuated using an ambulance by health workers to the Bekasi City Hospital.