Indonesia’s second largest stadium doesn’t seem to be big enough for two of the country’s most enthusiastic fanbases, who are clashing online over the right to use the venue being afforded to only one of the two.
The Jakarta Metro Police yesterday announced that the Liga 1 football match between arch-rivals Persija of Jakarta and Persib of Bandung on March 4 has been postponed indefinitely. The match was supposed to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta, where preparations are underway for the venue to host Blackpink’s hotly-anticipated double bill on March 11 and 12.
Upset with the decision, Indonesian football fans aired their frustrations not only towards GBK officials, but also on Blackpink’s recent posts on their official Instagram page.
“Thanks to you, my Persija’s match at GBK was canceled,” one user wrote.
“GBK Stadium is not for concerts,” another chimed in with a totally incorrect statement.
The K-pop group’s latest post in particular has become a battleground between Indonesian football fans and Blackpink fans. The latter seems to have the last laugh by the sheer volume of comments alone.
“I had respect for football fans, but not anymore due to their comments. They are low quality human beings, so it’s no wonder that there are so many casualties in Indonesian football with supporters like this,” one user said, referring to violent football hooliganism in the country.
“Blackpink booked GBK four months ago, while Persija booked it 14 days ago. So there is no reason for you to attack this account. Learn to be mature football fans,” another said.
Blackpink moving their concerts away from GBK was a momentary possibility late last year, when the Ministry of Youth and Sports said that it would shut the stadium for upgrades months ahead of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in May, which is hosted by Indonesia.
The group was eventually allowed to hold both of their Jakarta concerts at GBK, after all, with assurances that the grass pitch won’t be spoiled for the major football tournament.
