Tragedy Strikes at Football Match in Guinea: Dozens Reported Dead

Dozens have died in a stampede during a football match in Guinea’s N’zérékoré, following violent clashes between fans and police intervention. Eyewitnesses describe chaos stemming from a controversial referee decision, leading to widespread panic. Local authorities are addressing the aftermath as Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah calls for calm.

On Sunday, a tragic incident occurred during a football match in N’zérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city, where a stampede resulted in numerous fatalities. Eyewitness accounts indicated that chaos ensued after a controversial call made by the referee, prompting fans of the visiting team, Labé, to express their frustrations violently, which included throwing stones onto the pitch. Consequently, police intervened by deploying tear gas, exacerbating the situation and leading to a crush among the throngs of spectators.

This unfortunate event highlights the underlying tensions surrounding sporting events in Guinea, where crowds can become volatile, especially in response to contentious officiating. Historically, Guinea has witnessed violence during sports fixtures, reinforcing the need for effective crowd management and safety measures. In 2009, Guinea faced a devastating tragedy in a stadium when state forces attacked a peaceful assembly, leading to significant loss of life and shocking human rights violations. Such historical precedents underscore the importance of addressing crowd control during high-stakes events such as this.

This heart-wrenching incident during the football match in N’zérékoré epitomizes the potential dangers associated with sporting events in Guinea. The Prime Minister has called for calm, and regional authorities are working diligently to restore order while medical facilities tend to the injured. As investigations proceed, it is imperative to reflect on the need for enhanced safety protocols at public gatherings to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk