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On Sunday, a tragic stadium crush in Guinea claimed 56 lives during a football match, sparked by disputed referee decisions and ensuing chaos.
A crowd crush at a football match in the West African country of Guinea has claimed the lives of at least 56 people in what authorities are calling one of the nation’s deadliest sporting tragedies.
The incident occurred in Nzérékoré, Guinea's second-largest city, during a highly anticipated tournament match between the local team and visiting players from Labé.
The chaos reportedly began after a series of controversial decisions by the match referee.
Two players from Labé were sent off, and a contentious penalty was awarded to Nzérékoré.
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Tensions boiled over,leading to anger and violence among spectators.
Fans of the visiting team hurled stones at the pitch prompting security forces to intervene with tear gas, which further exacerbated the panic.
Amid the escalating disorder hundreds of fans attempted to flee the stadium.
In their desperation, many scrambled over walls and barriers, while others were trampled in the melee. Witnesses described the scene as a harrowing rush of humanity.
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One local observer, speaking anonymously, told BBC: "It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch."
Doctors and hospital staff in Nzérékoré struggled to cope with the influx of injured and deceased.
A medical worker who chose to remain unnamed said, "There were bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full."
Reports from the ground indicate that many victims, including children, were crushed underfoot or asphyxiated in the chaos.
Videos circulating on social media, later verified by the BBC, captured the heartbreaking scenes outside the stadium.
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Crowds of panicked fans could be seen climbing walls, while rows of lifeless bodies lay on the ground.
The chaotic aftermath has left the city in mourning and authorities under intense scrutiny.
The tragedy occurred during a tournament held in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power in a coup in September 2021.
While the government touted the event as a celebration of national unity, opposition groups criticized it as a political maneuver to bolster the junta leader’s public image.
In a statement, the National Alliance for Change and Democracy accused authorities of "significant responsibility for these grave events."
Prime Minister Oury Bah called the incident “tragic” and vowed to hold an inquiry to determine culpability.
"We will ensure that those responsible are identified and face the law," he said.
Bah also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged full medical and psychological support for the injured.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) expressed its condolences through its president, Patrice Motsepe, who described the disaster as a moment of deep sorrow.
"May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace," he said.
Guinea's football federation, FRGUIFOOT, echoed the sentiment, stating that football should "unite hearts and bring minds closer" rather than lead to "tragedy and grief."
This devastating incident has also highlighted broader issues within Guinean football.
The country is currently banned from hosting international matches due to substandard venues that fail to meet CAF's safety regulations.
All recent home matches for Guinea's national team in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers had to be relocated to neighboring Ivory Coast.
Sunday's tragedy adds to growing concerns over governance and misconduct in Guinean football.
In July, Feguifoot president Aboubacar Sampil became the focus of an investigation into corruption and allegations of facilitating violence during matches.
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Critics argue that the lack of accountability and safety protocols within the sport has created a volatile environment.
In Nzérékoré, the local hospital remains heavily guarded by police, with six vehicles stationed outside its three entrances.
Journalists and grieving families have been denied entry further fueling public frustration.
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