A football fan died after a heavy firecracker exploded near him during the Indonesia-Fiji friendly soccer match at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, on Saturday.

Catur Yuliantono, 32, passed away after he was rushed to Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Bekasi.

“Our sport is facing a big test. During the last minutes [of the match], a firecracker was ignited from the south tribune. It flew to the east tribune. It was fatal,” Indonesian Soccer Association secretary-general Ratu Tisha Destria said as quoted by kompas.com.

According to Destria, the victim was from Duren Sawit in East Jakarta. The victim had come to watch the game with his family.

The Jakarta Post

Indonesia’s Stefano Janjtje Lilipaly (right) tries to steal the ball from Vodafone Fijian Kolinio Vakarauvanua Sivoki during a friendly match at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, on September 2, 2017. Photo: The Jakarta Post

18, 000 fans watch friendly

The Vodafone Fijian football team (ranked 181st in the world) played to a scoreless draw against the 175th ranked Indonesian national team on Saturday.

Over 18,000 spectators filled in the Patriot Chandrabaga Sport Stadium in Bekasi to enjoy the international friendly match despite the hot conditions in Jakarta.

Team captain Roy Krishna had first attempt on goal but Indonesia goalkeeper Andritany Ardhiyasa was equally strong in goal.

Epeli Saukuru went close on scoring however got scraped beside post and cleared off by the defence.

Setareki Hughes also had a shot on goal after coming off the bench while Remueru Tekiate floated-in a free kick from about 35 yards which was tapped away by the goalkeeper Ardhiyasa.

Christopher Wasasala was a thorn to the Indonesian defence as he was brought down numerous times. His injury during these tackles forced him out from the game in the 53rd minute replaced by Jonetani Buksh.

“The overall performance from the boys was pretty good,” Krishna said.

“We followed what the coach told us to do especially in defence. The game was played for 97 minutes and I think the defense made the overall difference.

“The newcomers who went in as the debutants did well, that is what you expect from them and hopefully they step up in the next game. Overall, the team did a great job.”

Fiji lineup: Roy Krishna, Amani Makoe (Setareki Hughes), Epeli Saukuru, Kavaia Rawaqa, Christopher Wasasala (Jonetani Buksh), Narendra Rao (Epeli Lairoti), Dave Radrigai (Iosefo Verevou), Kolionio Sivoki, Remueru Tekiate, Laisenia Raura, Simione Tamanisau.

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