Five go on trial for negligence over Indonesia stadium disaster

Five Indonesian men charged with negligence leading to one of the worst stadium disasters in football history appeared in court by video link as their trial began.

The stampede in October in the East Java city of Malang -- which killed 135 people, including more than 40 children -- came after police fired tear gas into packed stands when supporters invaded the pitch at the end of a match between rivals Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya.

Hundreds of people fled for narrow exits, resulting in a crush that left many trampled or suffocated to death.

Three local police officials, a match organiser and a security official were all charged with negligence for their role in the disaster, and face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment if found guilty.

A sixth suspect -- a former director of the company that runs Indonesia's premier league -- remains under police investigation.

Authorities deployed hundreds of security personnel around the court and the trial was held virtually for security reasons.

Authorities told Arema FC supporters not to travel to Surabaya for the trial, for fear of clashes with police or rival fans.

Police described the October 1 pitch invasion as a riot and said two officers were killed, but survivors accused the police of using excessive force.

Football's world governing body FIFA outlawed the use of such riot control methods at stadiums.