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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Edrich

Hillsborough survivors helping victims of Indonesia stadium crush

A Hillsborough survivors' group has provided support and resources to the victims of the Kanjuruhan Stadium crush.

The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance (HSA) has provided a leaflet to help survivors of the disaster to deal with the aftermath of the traumatic event. The disaster, listed as the second worst stadium incident in history, saw at least 135 deaths and over 500 injuries at the Indonesian stadium.

The disaster happened in the aftermath of the home team Arema FC's loss to rivals Persebaya Surabaya at the overcrowded Kanjuruhan Stadium. The crush took place after police tear-gassed fans who invaded the pitch.

READ MORE: The Football Association air deep concerns over rise of Hillsborough-related chants during Liverpool games

Thousands are believed to have surged towards the stadium exits as panic spread, where many suffocated. FIFA, the world's governing football body, states no "crowd control gas" should be used by stewards or police at matches.

A recent report published by Indonesia's human rights commission found the use of tear gas fired by police was the cause of the deadly crush. Six people, including officers and organisers, now face criminal charges.

The morning after the disaster HSA offered their condolences to the victims and their families, adding "no one should go to a match and not go home". HSA's Peter Scarfe recently told the ECHO : "The Indonesia disaster was a carbon copy of the Stade de France in the way the police used tear gas.

"We're still dealing with Stade de France and Hillsborough so it was a lot to take in. But we knew we had to help because our experience with Hillsborough was very similar. We set up a small team to help. We've put as much as we can at this time into it."

HSA's support was aided by Josh Edwards - a Wirral filmmaker living in Indonesia. With Josh's assistance, HSA's Dr Anne Eyre, a Hillsborough survivor who specialises in the psychosocial aspects of major disasters, put together a leaflet to help survivors deal with the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

Mr Scarfe said HSA also received the support of West Derby MP Ian Byrne who offered his assistance. He added: "The Indonesian people really came together and supported each other. We wanted to ensure we had something in place so they could help themselves."

Earlier this week Mr Scarfe also addressed the concerning rise in Hillsborough related chants at football matches. Mr Scarfe told the ECHO : "It's getting worse. We need to be active about it to try and stop it. A message needs to go out to every club and every supporters' group. We don't want the banter to stop at football matches. But there is no need for the constant hate."

The Football Association said it was concerned about the recent rise and "strongly condemned" the behaviour. A statement added: "We support clubs and fans who try to stamp out this behaviour from our game. We also support the excellent work of the survivor groups who engage with stakeholders across football to help educate people about the damaging and lasting effects that these terrible chants can have."

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