Violence was allegedly sparked by refereeing calls that resulted in two players from one football side receiving red cards and then being penalized by the same club.
According to local reports, violent altercations at a football game in Guinea on Sunday claimed the lives of almost 100 individuals.
In Nzerekore, the nation’s second-largest city in West Africa, the violence started during a football game between the Labe and Nzerekore teams.
Although the precise number of fatalities is still unknown, local hospital sources stated that there were “dozens of fatalities.” According to one on-scene physician, the death toll might be “around 100.”
Bah Oury, the prime minister of Guinea, issued a statement on X denouncing the violence.
“This afternoon’s football game between the Labe and Nzerekore teams was marred by incidents that the government regrets,” he stated.
“The government is keeping a close eye on the situation and calls for calm so that hospital services can continue to provide first aid to the injured.”
He also stated that more details will be made public as they become available.
The brawl was allegedly started by officiating calls that resulted in two Labe players being red-carded and then penalized by the same team.
The game was a part of a competition held in honor of Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the military leader of Guinea who assumed office in 2021.
About 200,000 people live in Nzerekore, which is 570 kilometers (354 miles) southeast of Conakry, the capital.
