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A controversial refereeing decision during a soccer match in southeastern Guinea has led to a devastating tragedy, with at least 56 people confirmed dead, following violent clashes and a deadly crowd crush.
The incident occurred during the final of a football tournament in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, at a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the country’s largest cities.
According to a government statement issued Monday, the violence erupted after a disputed red card in the 82nd minute of the match.
“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,” said Amara Conde, a witness who spoke to source(Reuters) by phone.
Panic quickly spread through the crowd, triggering a dangerous stampede as fans scrambled to flee the chaotic scene.
“The crowd rushed to leave, leading to a dangerous scrum at the exits,” a police source revealed.
Disturbing footage showed dozens of people desperately climbing over high walls in a bid to escape.
The violence at the stadium led to the tragic deaths of dozens, many of them minors, who were crushed in the stampede. A source within the city administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the scenes of devastation.
“Many victims were minors caught in the turmoil after police started firing tear gas,” the source said.
“There was confusion and chaos, with parents retrieving bodies before they were officially counted.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and Guinea’s ousted former president, Alpha Conde, condemned the event, calling it an example of “irresponsible organisation.”
“In a context where the country is already marked by tensions and restrictions, this tragedy highlights the dangers of irresponsible organisation,” he said in a statement.
Opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy pointed fingers at the military junta, accusing them of organizing the tournament as a political move to boost Doumbouya’s support.
The group stated that the event violated the transition charter that Guinea’s junta promised to follow ahead of the country’s long-awaited presidential elections.
Human Rights Watch also weighed in, accusing Guinea’s military rulers of suppressing opposition, media, and peaceful dissent.
“Security forces have used excessive force, including tear gas and gunfire, against protesters,” the group said in a recent report, citing the junta’s failure to honor its commitment to restore civilian rule by December 2024.
The tragedy in Nzerekore is the latest in a series of deadly disasters at soccer stadiums around the world.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been working closely with FIFA to address overcrowding and safety concerns in African stadiums.
As the country mourns the victims of this horrific incident, the government has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation.
However, questions remain about the role of the authorities in the disaster and whether lessons will be learned from this avoidable tragedy.
(Credit: ESPN)
