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