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)