Dozens have reportedly died in a crush at a football match in N’zérékoré, Guinea, due to clashes among spectators after a controversial referee decision. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah called for calm as local hospitals struggle to manage the influx of casualties. The incident raises concerns regarding the safety of public gatherings amid Guinea’s troubled background with violence during events.
In a tragic event during a football match in Guinea’s second-largest city, N’zérékoré, dozens have reportedly perished due to a crush that resulted from clashes among spectators. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah confirmed that a stampede occurred following tensions at the event held on Sunday, urging for calm amidst the chaos. Witness accounts highlight that the melee began after a contentious referee decision prompted fans to storm the pitch, leading to horrific scenes of devastation.
Local sources indicate that the local hospital in N’zérékoré is overwhelmed, with multiple victims lying in the facility and the morgue filled to capacity. Eyewitness reports described widespread panic as supporters of the visiting team, Labé, retaliated by throwing stones in frustration, prompting police to deploy tear gas. The aftermath witnessed thousands of attendees grappling for safety, which resulted in significant fatalities and injuries. Currently, official casualty figures have not been disclosed, but the Cirque requesting the public’s composure.
This disturbing incident arises from the context of football matches in a region where violence has marred sporting events. It resonates with Guinea’s past tragedies, notably the 2009 stadium massacre, where 156 individuals lost their lives due to brutal state repression amidst a political rally. The recent calamity underlines ongoing tensions surrounding public gatherings in Guinea, where security measures are crucial yet still fall short of preventing such tragic outcomes.
Authorities are reportedly focused on restoring order, with emergency services prioritizing assistance to the injured. The football match was notably part of a tournament honoring President Mamadi Doumbouya, following his seizure of power in a coup in September 2021.
The incident at the football match in N’zérékoré, Guinea, highlights the recurring theme of violence in sporting events within the nation. Historical precedents, such as the 2009 Conakry stadium massacre, cast a long shadow over Guinea’s political and social landscape, emphasizing the risks associated with mass gatherings. Spectator safety remains a critical concern amid political unrest, and instances of brutality are met with collective trauma, complicating the nation’s ongoing quest for stability and peace.
The events following the football match in N’zérékoré reflect a tragic intersection of sports and violence, resulting in numerous casualties and raising significant concerns regarding spectator safety in Guinea. The government’s call for calm, alongside the medical response to the situation, underscores the urgency of addressing the broader societal issues that contribute to such outbreaks of violence. As officials work to restore order, the haunting memory of past atrocities reminds the public of the crucial need for comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of attendees at public events.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
