Clashes Over Referee’s Decision Leave Over 50 Football Fans Dead in Guinea

Published: December 3, 2024

N’Zérékoré – More than 50 people have been confirmed dead following violent clashes during the grand final of a football tournament in Guinea’s second-largest city, N’Zérékoré, located approximately 570 kilometers (354 miles) from the capital, Conakry.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at a stadium where a match between the Labe football team and the N’Zérékoré team turned deadly. Local media reports indicate that chaos erupted in the final moments of the game after players from the Labe team disputed a goal scored by their rivals.

Tensions escalated further when the central referee issued two red cards to Labe players and awarded a penalty to N’Zérékoré, a decision that reportedly triggered violence among fans. The clashes quickly spiraled out of control, leading to a stampede as spectators fled the scene.

Some reports have suggested that security forces intervened by firing tear gas into the crowd, further contributing to the panic and fatalities.

The tournament was reportedly sponsored by Guinea’s President, Gen. Mamady Doumbouya. In the wake of the tragedy, Guinea’s Prime Minister, Amadou Oury Bah, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and vowing to conduct a thorough investigation to determine responsibility for the incident.

“The demonstrations of dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions led to stones being thrown by the fans, causing a deadly stampede. Hospital services report a provisional toll of 56 dead and several injured,” the statement read.

Tributes and messages of condolence have poured in from various football associations, including the Liberia Football Association (LFA), FIFA, and CAF.

In a statement, the LFA said, “The Liberia Football Association (LFA) is deeply saddened and extends its heartfelt condolences following the tragic stadium stampede in Guinea, which has claimed the lives of over 50 football fans and left many others injured. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, the injured, and all those affected by this devastating event. We stand in solidarity with the football community in Guinea during this difficult time.”