Sunday, June 30 2024 – 12:40 WIB
Surabaya – League 1 giants Persebaya Surabaya expressed their disappointment after their 97th anniversary celebration match was marred by flares. Because, an important moment in their history had to go with an unpleasant incident.
In celebration, Persebaya held an ‘Anniversary Game’ match on Saturday 29 June 2024. They invited the 2023-2024 East Java League 3 champions, Persibo, to compete at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT) and managed to win 2-0.
Flare in Persebaya Surabaya Match
But along the way, the match was forced to be stopped in the 85th minute. This is because the condition of the stadium did not allow for a match due to the flare smoke that filled the area.
The smoke billowing in the stadium not only disturbed the view but also the breathing. The players were asked to enter the locker room after the referee paused the match.
Seeing this incident, Persebaya also expressed their disappointment. According to the team from East Java, flares could bring disaster.
“Flare Could Lead Us to Disaster. Persebaya 97th Anniversary Game had to be stopped in the 85th minute. The field situation was no longer possible, because the flare smoke was so thick. It even interfered with breathing,” said Persebaya’s official account on Instagram, Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Flare in the Persebaya Surabaya Match
The moment of the birthday celebration that should have ended happily had to be closed with a flat situation. After the match, the organizing committee (panpel) and the police decided not to hold a ‘Song for Pride’ sing-along. In addition, the press conference was also canceled because of the situation.
However, it is known that no fatal incidents occurred at that time. However, Persebaya regretted that their birthday celebration was tarnished by flare smoke.
In their official statement, Persebaya will firmly implement a measurable policy against flares in future matches. This incident cannot be separated from human safety.
“Persebaya management will implement a firm and measurable policy regarding flares for the next matches. “There is no football as long as human safety,” concluded the club nicknamed Bajul Ijo.
