People scramble in Nzerekore, Guinea, where local officials said a deadly stampede ensued at a stadium following fan clashes during a soccer match, December 1, 2024,
Conakry, Dec 2 — 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 on Monday, as a witness described scenes of chaos.
The fatalities occurred during the final of a tournament in honour of Guinea’s military leader Mamady Doumbouya at a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the West African nation’s largest cities.
Fans threw stones, triggering panic and a crush, the government statement said, promising an investigation.
A witness, who had attended the match, said a disputed red card in the 82nd minute of the match kicked off the violence.
“The stone throwing started and the police joined in, firing tear gas. In the rush and scramble that followed, I saw people fall to the ground, girls and children trampled underfoot. It was horrible,” a soccer fan in the stadium said.
The crowd rushed to leave, leading to a dangerous scrum at the exits, a police source said.
A video authenticated by Reuters showed dozens of people scrambling over high walls to escape.
Local media said police had used tear gas after supporters of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones towards the pitch in anger at the referee.
“It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch,” one witness told AFP.
Videos and images on social media appear to show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with large crowds attempting to climb over walls and numerous bodies on the ground.
Some of those lying unresponsive on the ground appear to be children.
Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in Nzérékoré, said that internet access in the region had been restricted and that police were guarding the entrance to the hospital where the injured were being treated.
“I observed six police pick-ups positioned in front of the three entrances to the hospital. They allowed only the medical staff to access the hospital, while the others were told to go back the way they came.”
Prime Minister Bah has paid tribute to the dozens of people killed and promised full medical and psychological support to all those injured.
Guinea’s football body, Feguifoot, has called it a moment of “intense pain” and said that football is meant to “unite hearts and bring minds closer” not cause “tragedy and grief”.
Thousands of spectators were present when the crush happened at a match between Nzérékoré and Labé, local news website MediaGuinée reported.
Sunday’s match was part of a tournament in honour of President Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in September 2021.
Guinea’s military ruler, Mamady Doumbouya
Ousted President Alpha Conde said the event had been badly organised at an uneasy time for the country, which is waiting for Doumbouya to hold promised elections after he seized power in a 2021 coup.
“In a context where the country is already marked by tensions and restrictions, this tragedy highlights the dangers of irresponsible organisation,” Conde said in a statement.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official from the city’s administration said many victims were minors caught in the turmoil after police started firing tear gas. The official described scenes of confusion and chaos with parents retrieving bodies before they were officially counted.
