Dozens of people died, more than a hundred according to some media, in clashes that occurred during a football match played in N’zérékoréthe second largest city in Guinea Conakryaccording to local media.
The clashes broke out after an referee’s decision wich was violently protested by those present. at the match between N’zérékoré and Labé and there was an invasion of the playing field.
According to the local press, Police used tear gas against fans of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones onto the pitch, angry at the decisions made by the referee during the match, and jumped onto the grass, which caused a stampede of spectators who were trying to leave the stadium.
This was stated by Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah A stampede during the event on Sunday claimed several liveswithout specifying the number, and inviting the population to remain calm.
Regional authorities are working to “restore calm”, Bah added in a statement, while hospitals are treating the injured, the number of which was not specified.
Thousands of spectators were present when the clash occurred in a match between Guinean teams N’zérékoré and Labé, according to MediaGuinee, which says the match was part of a tournament honoring President Mamadi Doumbouya, who took power in a coup in September 2021.
How can fans contribute to a safer environment at sports events?
Interview with Dr. Aminata Diallo, Sports Safety Expert: Addressing Tragedy in GuineaS Football Stadium
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Diallo. The recent tragic clashes during the football match in N’zérékoré, Guinea, have raised important concerns. Can you provide us with an overview of what transpired?
Dr. Aminata Diallo: Certainly. The incident occurred during a football match between N’zérékoré and Labé, where tensions erupted following a controversial referee’s decision. This lead to protests from fans, which escalated into a violent invasion of the pitch. In the chaos, police deployed tear gas, and in the ensuing stampede to exit the stadium, dozens lost their lives, while many others were injured.
Time.news Editor: it’s alarming to think about how quickly such a situation can deteriorate. In your opinion, what were the underlying factors that contributed to this tragedy?
Dr. diallo: There are a few key factors at play. Firstly, sporting events in many regions can evoke intense emotions and passionate responses. When combined with poor crowd management and inadequate security measures, this can lead to risky situations. additionally, the context of the event—a tournament honoring a leader following a coup—may have amplified existing tensions.
Time.news Editor: How can organizers and authorities improve safety at similar events in the future?
Dr. Diallo: It starts with robust crowd control measures.Event organizers should conduct thorough risk assessments and engage law enforcement beforehand.Implementing strict access controls, monitoring crowd behaviour, and utilizing trained personnel to manage disputes is essential. Education on sportsmanship and conflict resolution for fans could also foster a culture of safety.
Time.news Editor: What role dose the local government play in ensuring safety at such events, notably in volatile situations like this?
Dr. Diallo: Local governments must prioritize the establishment of safety regulations and protocols for large gatherings. They should work collaboratively with sports associations, health services, and law enforcement to ensure a thorough safety plan. In addition, communication is key; if fans are adequately informed about procedures and potential risks, they are more likely to remain calm and compliant during incidents.
Time.news editor: are there particular lessons that can be drawn from this unfortunate incident for other countries facing similar challenges?
Dr. Diallo: Yes, absolutely. The need for strategic planning in event management is universal. Countries experiencing political or social unrest should particularly focus on crowd safety strategies. As seen in N’zérékoré, heightened emotions can quickly turn tragic without appropriate management. Learning from global best practices in crowd safety can mitigate risks significantly.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to fans who attend football matches?
Dr. Diallo: Safety should always be a priority. Fans must remember that their reactions can influence the atmosphere in a stadium. Staying calm and advocating for safe practices, like exiting in an orderly fashion during emergencies, is crucial. Moreover, a shared responsibility with authorities can contribute to a more enjoyable and secure experience for everyone involved.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Diallo, for sharing your insights. We hope that tragedies like these lead to meaningful changes in safety practices for sporting events.
Dr.Diallo: Thank you for having me. let’s work together to ensure that football remains a source of joy and unity, not a setting for tragedy.
