Guilty teams banned from hosting match: PSSI official
Guilty teams banned from hosting match: PSSI official
JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI)
banned Persebaya Surabaya and PSIM Yogyakarta from hosting one
match at home yesterday, following a riot which killed a
supporter during their league match last month.
Minang Warman, head of PSSI's disciplinary commission, said
during the announcement that both amateur city teams would play
their first home matches 200 kilometers away from their bases
when the league resumes next month.
Based on the decision, PSIM will entertain PSM Ujungpandang on
March 12 at Semarang, Central Java. Persebaya, which kicks off
its league's second leg three days later, will host its neighbor
Mitra Surabaya in Malang.
"PSIM, as the host, was responsible for the incident. On the
other hand, Persebaya was guilty for failing to control its
supporters," Minang said.
The rampage broke out last month at the Mandala Krida stadium
when fans began hurling bottles while the match was underway. A
riot ensued and Suhermansyah, a 40-year-old Surabaya fan, was
trampled. He later died on the way to Sardjito hospital.
"This is the worst incident we have ever seen. It should never
happen again," Minang said. PSSI also ordered both PSIM and
Persebaya to sign a statement which guaranteed that they would
maintain order during their next home matches.
Minang denied that the sentence was much lighter than
expected. "We acted according to the rules," said Minang. He
cited the league administrator Agum Gumelar, saying that punitive
measures were aimed at educating, not destroying a club.
The PSSI official added that both guilty sides had the chance
to lodge an appeal. "But remember that PSSI does not recognize a
tribunal body," Minang said.
Persebaya had earlier indicated that it would take their
appeal to PSSI chairman Azwar Anas. PSIM, to the contrary, opted
to keep quiet.
PSIM was banned from playing home matches for three months in
late 1980s because its supporters were routinely assaulting the
Persija North Jakarta fans. In 1993, following another attack on
PSIS fans, the Yogyakarta side was ordered to host PSM at an
empty site.
The latest incident on Jan. 29 looks to go to court. PSIM
plans to file a lawsuit against Surabaya-based fans organization
for damaging the stadium and several food stalls outside the
stadium. The Yogyakarta supporters foundation claimed that the
damages cost the stadium management Rp 4 million (US$1,800).
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman is scheduled
to discuss measures to prevent hooliganism in a hearing with the
House of Representatives today. (amd)