A state of panic and chaos broke out at the exits after the police fired tear gas at an Indonesian football match to disperse raging fans, resulting in at least 174 deaths, most of whom were trampled or suffocated, making it one of the deadliest sporting events in the world. Immediate attention focused on the police's use of tear gas, which is banned by FIFA in football stadiums, with the FIFA president describing the deaths in the stadium as a "black day for all football fans," while President Joko Widodo ordered an investigation into the matter.

Violence erupted after the match ended on Saturday evening when the host Arima from Malang city in East Java lost to Persebaya from Surabaya with a score of 3-2. Disappointed by their team's loss, thousands of Arima supporters, known as "Arimania," responded by throwing bottles and other objects at the players and football officials. Witnesses said the fans demanded that Arima's management explain why the match ended in a loss after 23 years of undefeated games at home against Persebaya.

Also, violence spread outside the stadium where at least five police cars were smashed and set on fire, while the riot police responded by firing tear gas, causing panic among the crowds and some deaths and suffocation by trampling as hundreds of people ran to the exit to avoid the tear gas. Amid the chaos, 34 people died in the stadium, including two officers, in addition to some reports that included children being injured. Niko Avinta, the East Java police chief, said at a press conference early Sunday morning: "We had already taken precautionary measures before eventually firing tear gas as (the fans) started attacking the police and acting chaotically." Avinta stated that more than 300 people were transferred to hospitals, but many died along the way and during treatment.

In the same context, Emil Dardak, the Deputy Governor of East Java, told Kompas TV that the death toll rose to 174, while more than 100 injured are receiving intensive care in eight hospitals, 11 of whom are in critical condition. The Indonesian Football Association, known as PSSI, also suspended the Liga 1 premier league indefinitely in light of the tragedy and banned Arima from hosting football matches for the remainder of the season. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali, expressed his regret that "this tragedy happened while they were preparing for football activities at the national and international levels," as Indonesia is hosting the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup from May 20 to June 11, with the participation of 24 teams.