Irate football fans riot and damage host stadium of 2018 Asian Games

2018-07-23 440

Football fans in Indonesia started a riot after their team lost 3-0 in a premier league match in a stadium set to host the Asian Games next month.

Footage shows how violence erupted following Sriwijaya FC's loss to Arema FC on July 21.

Up to 335 seats in the Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium in Palembang, Sumatra, were damaged as fans lobbed objects at police.

Officers can be seen hauling irate fans out of the stadium after attempts to invade the pitch were unsuccessful.

Some supporters even shot fireworks over the pitch as both teams continued to play.

The violence comes just one month before the 18th edition of the Asian Games will take place in the newly-renovated stadium as well as in Jakarta.

Rusli Nawi, the stadium's security advisor (seen talking to reporters at 2:14), said he was disappointed by the fan's behaviour.

“We are very upset with the supporters who ruined the seats in Gelora Sriwijaya during the game,” he said.

“I’ve been here for nearly 10 years... there has never been damage to the seats like yesterday," he added.

The 27,000-capacity stadium is set to host the final of the women's football competition on August 30.