Panic at an Indonesian soccer match after police fired tear gas to stop brawls has left 129 people dead, most having been trampled to death, Indonesian police said.

Several fights between the supporters of two rival soccer teams were reported inside the Kanjuruhan Stadium in East Java province's Malang city after the Indonesian Premier League game ended with Persebaya Surabaya beating Arema Malang 3-2.

The brawls that broke out just after the game ended late night Saturday prompted riot police to fire tear gas, which caused panic among supporters, said East Java police chief Nico Afinta.

Security officers detain a fan during a clash between supporters of two Indonesian soccer teams at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java. Photo / AP

Hundreds of people ran to an exit gate in an effort to avoid the tear gas. Some suffocated in the chaos and others were trampled, with 34 people being killed almost instantly.

More than 300 were rushed to nearby hospitals to treat injuries, but many died on the way and during treatment, Afinta said.

He said the death toll is likely still increasing, since many of about 180 injured victims' conditions were deteriorating.

Police officers and soldiers stand amid tear gas smoke during a soccer match. Photo / AP