Soccer world reacts to disaster at Indonesia stadium

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Barcelona said it was “pained by the tragic events” and rejected “all acts of violence both on and off the field.” Ajax said “there should never be violence at a football match.” Among the players who reacted was veteran PSG defender Sergio Ramos, who called the tragedy “heartbreaking.” “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he said on Twitter. In a statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered condolences on behalf of the global soccer community, saying “the football world is in a state of shock.” FIFA did not mention in its statement the under-20 World Cup that Indonesia is set to host next year. “I would like to express our profound shock and sadness at last night’s appalling events in East Java’s Kanjuruhan stadium,” he said. “Our community sends its sympathy and solidarity to everyone affected by this tragedy.” The president of the Asian soccer confederation, Shaikh Salman, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened to hear such tragic news coming out of football-loving Indonesia.” The Spanish soccer federation lamented the tragedy and said it "condemns any act of violence, especially those in a festive setting such as a football match.