Increasingly savage

Increasingly savage

From Merdeka

I am horrified to read of the savage and ruthless behavior of the soccer-playing public and would think twice before watching a soccer match in the Menteng stadium in Central Jakarta or the Benteng stadium in Tangerang.

I am worried that I would become a victim of the anger of spectators who are dissatisfied with their team's performance. The savage behavior has spread to every corner of the country. The capital city itself has not been spared by a destructive public which has recently vented its spleen by wrecking the glass windows of the Menteng stadium.

I used to go to the Menteng and Ikada stadiums in a good mood. Before entering the stadium I used to take a bowl of goat soup or a plate of goat sate.

The riots of soccer spectators resemble those of school youngsters. Experts need to study the phenomenon and explain the behavior. Is it in imitation of soccer public brutality in England?

I would like to suggest that lots are drawn to give prizes or souvenirs to ticket holders of soccer matches. May be the defunct Totalisator can be revived? Everybody goes home in a satisfied mood, including food and drink hawkers, if the situation is peaceful.

A.R. ROZALI

Jakarta