A tragic incident occurred during a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea, where at least 56 people lost their lives in a crowd crush. However, many local reports suggest that the actual death toll may be closer to 100. The chaos erupted following a controversial decision by the referee, who sent off two players from the visiting team, Labé, and awarded a penalty kick, leading to unrest among fans.

The crush happened as fans attempted to exit the stadium, which had only one exit point. Witnesses described scenes of panic as thousands of spectators rushed towards the exit, resulting in many being trampled.

Hospitals in the area reported being overwhelmed, with bodies lined up and morgues filled to capacity. One doctor noted that many victims included children.

Prime Minister Oury Bah expressed condolences and announced an inquiry into the incident, labeling it a “tragic” event. The government has promised to provide medical and psychological support to the injured.

The match was part of a tournament honoring President Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power in a coup in 2021. The opposition has criticized the government for holding such events amid ongoing tensions in the country.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing large crowds at sporting events in Guinea, a country that has faced significant political and social unrest in recent years.