Clashes and a possible stampede during a football match in southeastern Guinea have resulted in dozens of fatalities, with AFP reporting nearly 100 deaths from the incident.
The violence erupted during a soccer match between the Labé and Nzérékoré teams in the city of Nzérékoré, located near the Liberia border, on Sunday evening. Doctors in the area confirmed the death toll to be around 100, according to AFP.
Prime Minister Bah Oury condemned the incident in a statement. “The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labé and Nzérékoré teams this afternoon,” he said. “Victims were recorded during the stampede.”
Oury assured the public that regional authorities were working to restore order and urged calm to facilitate medical assistance for the injured.
While official details about the exact causes of the violence remain unclear, local media reported the unrest began after two players from Labé’s team received red cards, sparking anger among their supporters. Tensions escalated after a controversial penalty was awarded against Labé, prompting fans to throw objects, including stones, onto the field. Security forces responded with tear gas, causing panic and triggering what appears to have been a fatal stampede.
Reports of further unrest have emerged from Nzérékoré, including the burning of a police station. The precise number of casualties has yet to be confirmed.