56 Feared Dead in Fan Stampede at Football Match in Nzerekore, Guinea
At least 56 people are feared dead following a fan clash that led to a deadly stampede during a football match in Nzerekore, Guinea, on Sunday afternoon. The tragedy occurred during the final of a local tournament in the city, when rival supporters, enraged by a controversial penalty decision made by the referee, stormed the pitch in protest.
The situation quickly escalated as police attempted to control the crowd using teargas. The chaotic scenes caused widespread panic, leading to the stampede that resulted in numerous casualties. The local government issued a statement on Monday confirming the incident and offering condolences to the families of the victims.
The statement emphasized that the government is committed to providing all necessary care for the injured, with hospitals receiving support for medical treatment. It also confirmed that an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for causing the violence and disorder during the match.
In a social media post, Guinea’s Prime Minister, Amadou Oury Bah, expressed his sorrow over the incident and called for calm in order to ensure that medical services could continue without interruption. “The regional authorities are working to restore calm and serenity among the population,” he wrote. “The government is closely monitoring the situation and urges the public to remain calm so that hospitals can provide first aid to the injured without hindrance.”
Prime Minister Bah also appealed to the moral authorities of the city to help restore peace and tranquility, underscoring the importance of community leaders in easing tensions in the aftermath of the tragic events.
As investigations into the incident continue, the authorities are determined to ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable. The tragic loss of life has sent shockwaves through the country, highlighting the dangerous consequences of fan violence in sports and the urgent need for better crowd control measures during such events.
The incident is the latest in a series of tragedies related to fan violence at football matches in Africa, underscoring the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to prevent such horrific events from occurring in the future.
