A soccer match in Nzérékoré, Southern Guinea, turned deadly this past Sunday, leaving 56 people dead and many others injured. The tragedy unfolded during a tournament attended by the country’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya.
Chaos erupted in the 82nd minute of the match after a controversial red card led to unrest among the crowd. Fans reportedly began throwing stones, prompting the police to respond with tear gas.
The tear gas triggered mass panic, and as spectators rushed to escape the stadium, a stampede ensued, crushing many at the exits. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of people, including children, being trampled in the chaos.
At least 56 people died in a stadium crush sparked by controversial refereeing at a soccer match in Guinea, the government said. A video authenticated by @Reuters showed dozens of people scrambling over high walls to escape https://t.co/aLctaXG4Qq pic.twitter.com/Hq0vJgw9Yt
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 2, 2024
Authorities have launched an investigation, with the prime minister pledging efforts to restore order and address the tragedy. However, criticism has emerged from the opposition group, National Alliance for Change and Democracy, which accused the government of using the event to strengthen military support.
56 people have been reported died after a fan clash at a football match led to a stampede in the city of Nzerekore, Guinea.
— Neusroom (@Neusroom) December 2, 2024
The incident happened during Sunday afternoon’s final of a local tournament. Rival fans invaded the pitch in protest of the referee’s penalty decision. pic.twitter.com/9CdNDBwDy9
Guinea has been under military leadership since a 2021 coup, and this incident has reignited concerns about the country's stability and governance. As investigations continue, the nation mourns a devastating loss that highlights the urgent need for reforms and crowd safety measures at public events.