100 dead in clashes at soccer match in Guinea

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 100 people have been killed in clashes between spectators at a soccer match in Guinea, a media report said on Monday.

The violence occurred during a game between the Labe and Nzerekore teams in  Nzerekore, the second-largest city in the West African nation, on Sunday, the New York Times reported.

The newspaper, citing local hospital sources, said there were “dozens dead,” with one doctor estimating the death toll at close to around 100.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bah Oury of Guinea condemned the violence in a statement on X.

“The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams in Nzerekore,” Oury said.

It’s unclear exactly what led to the violence. AFP spoke to a witness who said the clashes erupted after a disputed call by a referee that led to fans invading the field.

The game was part of a tournament honouring Col. Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea’s military leader who seized power in 2021.

kk/mud