The incident began with a contested referee decision during a tournament organized in honor of Guinea's junta leader Mamadi Doumbouya, leading to fans invading the pitch and subsequent clashes.

France 24

BBC News

Local police reportedly used tear gas after supporters of the visiting Labe team threw stones toward the pitch, triggering a deadly stampede that filled hospital hallways and morgues with casualties.

South China Morning Post

Demonstrators responded to the tragedy by vandalizing and setting fire to the N'Zerekore police station, while videos showed chaos in the streets outside the stadium.

Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah issued a statement calling for calm while regional authorities worked to restore order and hospitals tended to the injured.

The match was part of a series of tournaments that have become common as Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, considers a potential presidential run despite earlier pledges to transfer power to civilian rule.

The Daily Star

The incident reflects deeper political tensions in Guinea, where sports events have become politically charged amid uncertainty over the military government's grip on power and its resistance to transitioning to civilian rule as promised.

Mass Casualties at Guinea Soccer Match Spark Violence

The Spin

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Mass Casualties at Guinea Soccer Match Spark Violence

The Spin

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