Jakarta- The National Police chief has directed the Jakarta Police to investigate an incident involving the hurling of rocks at a bus carrying the Surakarta Persis team following their match against Persita Tangerang.

“We have given directives to the Jakarta Police Chief to thoroughly investigate it,” Listyo Sigit Prabowo informed in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said that seven people have already been named suspects in the case. The investigation has been launched to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“I urge (for the case) to be resolved because we do not want similar actions to happen in the future,” he explained.

He appealed to everyone, including supporters and football clubs, to maintain peace when it comes to domestic football.

The police chief said that in terms of security for players and supporters, the police had covered security aspects during the players’ travel, escorting them from the time of their departure all the way to their return.

The security and safety of players and spectators have become a challenge, which must be consistently evaluated so that everything goes according to plan, he added.

He then appealed to the managers and leaders of football clubs to educate supporters regarding maintaining safety and security during football competitions to ensure they go well.

“Thus, we all can prepare ourselves as best as possible. So, old things must be left behind. Obviously, things like that, (like throwing rocks), more such anarchist actions, destructive, those kind. Us, the National Police, will take firm action,” he warned.

The attack on the Persis Surakarta bus took place on Saturday (January 28, 2023).

The police said that the rock throwing was a planned attack—an act of revenge from Persita Tangerang against Persis Surakarta over an incident in Surakarta during the 2022 President Cup.

Source: Antara News