Over 50 football fans were killed following a stadium stampede in Guinea after a controversial refereeing decision reportedly sparked violence on Sunday.
The incident occurred during a friendly match between the city of N’Zérékoré and the city of Labe.
The match was being played to honour the country’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, in Nzerekore, the 78th FIFA-ranked nation.
A disputed referee decision in the 82nd minute of the match reportedly sparked the violence. Media reports in Conakry reported that security forces had tried to use tear gas to restore calm after the chaos that followed a disputed penalty call.
A REFEREE DECISION LEAVES 50 DEAD IN GUINEA STADIUM STAMPEDE
“The disputed penalty angered supporters who threw stones. This is how the security services used tear gas,” reported local media in Guinea. They further stated that several of those killed were children while some of the injured being treated at a regional hospital were in critical condition.
CAF PRESIDENT PATRICE MOTSEPE CONVEYS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES
On Monday, CAF president Patrice Motsepe conveyed his condolences to the victims following the tragedy.
“The Confédération Africaine de Football Président Dr Patrice Motsepe, is deeply saddened by the stadium stampede in Guinea that has reportedly claimed the lives of over 50 football fans and left others injured during a football match at the Stade du 3 Avril in N’Zérékoré,” CAF said in a statement.
“The tragedy occurred during a friendly football tournament between the city of N’Zérékoré and the city of Labe. CAF President Dr Motsepe conveys his and CAF’s deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the Fédération Guinéenne de Football (“FGF”) Leadership and the people of Guinea.
“Dr Motsepe also wished a speedy recovery to the injured football fans. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
RELATED STORY: Indonesia’s fatal soccer stampede causes revealed
