On social media, fans shared their harrowing experience upon their arrival. Even the buses carrying the fans did not escape the attacks.

One Twitter user using the handle @myrulazif said: “Just entering the stadium and the Malaysian fans are already being attacked. If Malaysia wins, I’ll feel worse. Just let Indonesia win.”

Another Twitter user with the handle @muhdikhram64 said: “I hope everyone going to [Stadium Gelora Bung Karno] is safe.”

According to a report in The Guardian, Indonesia is regarded as one of the most dangerous countries to watch a football match. It has been estimated that 70 people have been killed at football games in Indonesia since the early 1990s.

Previously, the Football Association of Malaysia put in requests for the Harimau Malaya players to be ferried into the stadium in a Barracuda, an armoured military vehicle, claiming the risk of provocation and chaos is high.

Last year, the Malaysian national team was also attacked by Indonesian fans after defeating the Indonesian team at the semi-final of the AFF Under-19 Cup. They had to flee to the dressing room for safety.