Persib 1-3 defeat to Persija sparks violence

Persib 1-3 defeat to Persija sparks violence

BANDUNG (JP): Hundreds of dejected fans turned violent on
Sunday after local team Persib suffered a 1-3 defeat to Persija
Jakarta.

The upset crowds stoned windows of dozens of shops and smashed
flower pots to pieces on their way home from the Siliwangi
stadium, in defiance of the heavy presence of security troops.

The violence caused panic on the city's major streets of Jl.
Tamblong, Jl. Asia Africa and Jl. Dewi Sartika, as many of the
shops were packed with people when the disturbance occurred.

Police were seen arresting a number of people who had joined
the rampage. Security authorities were quick to restore order,
but there was no official statement on the number of arrests.

Security troops blocked the effected roads, causing heavy
traffic jams in surrounding areas.

The fans had scared Persija players by rushing onto the field
and hurling plastic bottles at their visitors. The Jakartans
almost walked off the field to protest the interruption midway
through the match.

An over capacity crowd of 40,000 watched their team trail 0-3
with 12 minutes to go. Dedy Umarela, Luciano Leandro and Rocky
Putiray scored for Persija before Dadang Rusmana earned a
consolation goal for Persib in the 78th minute.

The win put Persija on top of the Western Conference subgroup
B with 15 points. Persib finished third and three points behind
Petrokimia Putra which snatched the group's other berth to the
second round after a 2-2 draw with PSBL Lampung on Sunday.

In the day's other action, PSMS Medan secured its second-round
berth in style, beating PSP Padang 3-0 to finish on the top of
the Western Conference subgroup A at Teladan Stadium in Medan.

It was a sweet revenge for the Medan side, which lost 0-4 away
to the same opponent last November. (45)