A tragic incident at a football match in Guinea has resulted in the deaths of at least 56 people, with some reports suggesting the actual toll could be much higher. The crush occurred during a match in Nzérékoré, the country’s second-largest city, prompting an investigation and raising concerns about stadium safety and crowd control measures.
The incident reportedly unfolded after a controversial decision by the referee, who sent off two players from the visiting team and awarded a penalty kick. This sparked anger among fans, who threw stones onto the pitch, leading to police intervention with tear gas.
The ensuing chaos resulted in a stampede towards the stadium’s limited exits, with spectators crushing each other in a desperate attempt to escape. Videos and images circulating on social media depict harrowing scenes of people climbing over walls and numerous bodies lying on the ground, including children.
A local journalist described the stadium as “packed to the rafters” with only one small exit. He noted that internet access in the region has been restricted and that police are heavily guarding the hospital where the injured are being treated.
Prime Minister Oury Bah expressed his condolences and promised a full investigation to determine those responsible for the tragedy. He also pledged medical and psychological support for the injured.
Guinea’s football association, Feguifoot, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that football should unite people, not cause tragedy. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also offered condolences and called for improved safety measures at stadiums.
This tragedy highlights the challenges faced by some African countries in meeting international safety standards for hosting football matches. Guinea is currently banned from holding international games due to inadequate stadium facilities.
The stadium where the crush occurred is reportedly an unfinished project that began decades ago. The match was part of a tournament honoring the country’s junta leader, raising questions about the prioritization of safety and security at the event.
The incident has also brought renewed attention to concerns about corruption and violence in Guinean football. The president of Feguifoot is currently under investigation for alleged corruption and attempts to influence match outcomes.
The tragedy in Nzérékoré serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and security at sporting events and the need for greater accountability and transparency within sports governing bodies.
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