The violent acts of hooliganism committed by Persija fans last Friday, which killed one and injured others, was unfortunately not even the first instance of supporters of the capital’s football team causing death and mayhem this year.
Five police officers were reportedly injured during the clash, and one of them, Brigadier Hanafi, had to have one of his eyes surgically removed yesterday due to the injuries he sustained.
“His left eyeball was removed because the cornea was damaged, it had dried up and the nerves were also damaged,” said Jakarta Metro Police Spokesman Awi Setiyono, as quoted by Detik today.
Awi said that Hanafi is recovering well despite losing an eye, but mentioned that the injured officer might have to have his right eye removed as well should doctors deem it necessary.
Awi said CCTV cameras caught a group of supporters attacking Hanafi, who was standing guard outside of Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) stadium, for six minutes, which was enough time to inflict serious injuries on the officer. Six people suspected of beating Hanafi were arrested on Saturday.
This is indeed brainless hooliganism at its worst. Persija’s fans turned violent last Friday simply because their team conceded a goal. As a result, a police officer had to lose an eye, on top of the one victim who was killed and many others who were injured.
