Tighter security for pre-Olympic Games
Tighter security for pre-Olympic Games
JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), wary of hooliganism, pledged yesterday to deploy more security guards during tomorrow's Olympic Games qualifying round at Senayan stadium.
"There will be more than 1,000 officers maintaining order both inside and outside the stadium," Endro Soemardjo of PSSI said yesterday. "We want the spectators to enjoy the match throughout all 90 minutes."
Indonesia is tipped to meet Hong Kong this evening for their second round-robin match. Both were beaten by favorite South Korea at home in their respective opening games. Hong Kong fell 0-5 on May 21, while Indonesia lost 1-2 on Thursday.
Hooliganism, which sociologists attribute to social and economic problems, has remained a serious PSSI concern up to now. A Surabaya fan became the first fatality last February during a mass brawl in Yogyakarta.
"The security system worked well during Thursday's game, but a little trouble did happen," Endro said. Fanatical Indonesian fans hurled plastic bottles at South Korean officials and players who were sitting on their bench. Other fans burned their banners in disappointment when their squad conceded two goals.
Doubtful
Around 100,000 people poured into the stadium on Thursday, giving PSSI a whopping Rp 315 million (US$143,180) net income.
Indonesia, smarting from their upset defeat, remains doubtful over its two key players who stepped off the pitch with injuries during their opening match against South Korea.
Striker Indriyanto and midfielder Asep Dayat have left the hospital but coach Danurwindo needs more time to decide their fate for today's academic clash. Fast-running Indriyanto scored the lone goal for Indonesia.
The Hong Kong squad arrived here on Sunday, promising a tough battle despite the fact that both sides are almost certain to miss the chance to make a trip to the Atlanta Olympics.
Only three teams will represent the world's biggest continent in the 16-field soccer competition in the 1996 Olympics. The Indonesia soccer team was an inch away from making an Olympic appearance before losing to North Korea in a penalty shoot-out in 1975. (amd)