A controversial refereeing decision triggered violence and a deadly crush at a football match in southeast Guinea, leaving 56 people dead, according to the government on Monday.
The fatalities occurred during the final of a tournament held in honour of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, at a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the country’s largest cities.
The government stated that as tensions escalated, some fans threw stones, sparking panic and a stampede. It promised an investigation into the incident.
A video verified by Reuters showed dozens of people scrambling over high walls to escape the chaos.
A controversial refereeing decision sparked violence and a crush at a soccer match in southeast Guinea, killing 56 people, according to a provisional toll, the government said https://t.co/aLctaXGCFY pic.twitter.com/tJ8vEjpkCR
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 2, 2024“The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams in Nzerekore. Victims were recorded during the stampede,” said Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah in a statement.
He assured that local authorities were working to restore order.
Speaking anonymously, a city official revealed that many victims were minors, caught in the turmoil after police fired tear gas.
The official described scenes of confusion, with some parents retrieving bodies before they were officially counted.
Videos and photos shared online showed victims lying on the ground. One video depicted over a dozen lifeless bodies, several of which appeared to be children.
Reuters has not been able to verify the footage independently.
The opposition group, National Alliance for Change and Democracy, held authorities responsible for organizing tournaments to strengthen political support for Doumbouya, violating the transition charter ahead of a promised presidential election.
The military junta has not yet responded to these accusations.
