Clashes leave 56 dead in Guinea football match

CONAKRY, Dec 02 (BBC): At least 56 people have been killed in clashes at a football match in Guinea's second-largest city, Nzérékoré, the government says.

Some reports indicate that it was sparked by a referee sending off two players from the visiting team, Labé, and awarding a controversial penalty kick.

An inquiry is being launched to find those responsible, Prime Minister Oury Bah said in a statement, calling the events "tragic" and offering his condolences to the bereaved.

One doctor, who did not want to be named, told AFP news agency there were "bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital". "Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full," he added.

Local media said police had used tear gas after supporters of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones towards the pitch in anger at the referee. "It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch," one witness told AFP.

Videos and images on social media appear to show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with large crowds attempting to climb over walls and numerous bodies on the ground. Some of those lying unresponsive on the ground appear to be children.

Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in Nzérékoré, told the BBC that internet access in the region had been restricted, and that police were guarding the entrance to the hospital where the injured were being treated.