Controversial refereeing decision sparks violence killing 56 people in southeast Guinea; video of people trying to escape emerges

A controversial refereeing decision in the African nation of Guinea triggered a series of violent acts within the stadium, eventually resulting in a stampede. The horrific incident has resulted in the death of 56 people thus far, according to a provisional toll count.

The events unfolded during the final of a tournament held in honor of the country's military leader Mamady Doumbouya. The match was being played at the Stade du 3 Avril in the city of Nzerekore in south-east Guinea.

A red card brandished by the referee in the 82nd minute of the game was the catalyst for the crowd violence. Fans resorted to stone-pelting, which stirred up panic among the crowd and set off a crush as people scurried towards the exits.

Amara Conde, one of the spectators at the game, recalled the sequence of events after escaping the scene. Speaking to Reuters by phone, he said:

"The stone throwing started and the police joined in, firing tear gas. In the rush and scramble that followed, I saw people fall to the ground, girls and children trampled underfoot. It was horrible."

The video below, authenticated by Reuters, shows people desperately trying to clamber up the high walls on the outside of the stadium premises to escape.

Doumbouya seized power in the country after a successful military coup in 2021. He promised to hold elections in the country, but is yet to deliver on his vow which has escalated tensions in the west African nation.

"This tragedy highlights the dangers of irresponsible organisation" - Former president of Guinea

Alpha Conde, the fourth president of Guinea who was ousted by Mamady Doumbouya, criticized the management of the tournament. A statement issued by him read (via Reuters):

"In a context where the country is already marked by tensions and restrictions, this tragedy highlights the dangers of irresponsible organisation."

Since the turn of the millennium, there have been as many as six major disasters at football stadiums across Africa. The worst ones were the 2001 Ghana disaster which left 126 dead and the 2012 Egypt disaster which left 73 dead, over 1000 injured and led to the suspension of the country's football league for two years.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been working with the sport's global governing body FIFA to tackle issues endangering the safety of fans at African stadiums.