Prior to Sunday's soccer matches all over the world, a moment of silence was observed in memory of the victims of the disaster at an Indonesian stadium that claimed at least 125 lives. Prominent players, coaches, and leagues also sent their condolences and messages of support.

US News reported that following Saturday night's match between Persebaya Surabaya and the host Arema FC of East Java's Malang city, the majority of the casualties were crushed or suffocated in the ensuing mayhem. According to eyewitnesses, police pummelling supporters with sticks and shields before firing tear gas canisters directly into the masses to quell the unrest—which instead caused a fatal crush.

Following one of the worst disasters ever to occur at a sporting event, Indonesia's soccer association suspended the top-tier Liga 1 indefinitely and barred Arema from holding soccer matches for the balance of the season.

Soccer leagues in Spain, Israel, and the Netherlands observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims.