Violence and stampede during football match leave 56 dead, including children

A football match turned into a bloodbath when a disputed penalty decision led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people, including children.

At least 56 people have been killed in a crush at a football match in Guinea’s second-largest city, Nzérékoré, the government says.

The match was played between Labé and N’zérékoré as part of a local tournament in honour of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya.

The situation spiralled out of control after a disputed penalty decision, leading to clashes between fans. Security forces used tear gas and stone-pelting to control the situation, causing panic among the spectators. Many people, including children, were seen jumping over high walls to escape the chaos.

The situation quickly spiraled out of control

Video footage shows people trying to escape the chaos by jumping over high walls.

At least 56 people were killed and scores injured in a stampede at a soccer stadium in southern Guinea, in West Africa, on Sunday following clashes between fans, the government said#ArianaNews #soccer #stadium #Guinea #Africa #fans pic.twitter.com/vTUntz1wED

— Ariana News (@ArianaNews_) December 2, 2024

A wave of mourning sweeps through the community

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, with many seriously injured victims being treated at local hospitals. The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, an opposition group, has demanded an investigation into the incident. The tournament has been criticised for promoting the “illegal and illegitimate” political ambitions of the military leader. The football community is in mourning, and fans are demanding answers to prevent such incidents in the future.