Stampede Kills At Least 56 People At Guinea Football Match

A stampede at a football match dedicated to Guinea's junta chief killed at least 56 people, the government said on Monday, as the opposition accused the military-led authorities of being "directly responsible" for the tragedy.

Fans at Sunday's game in the second city of N'Zerekore invaded the pitch after one or two players were sent off and a penalty was awarded to the opposing side Labe at the end of the game, witnesses said. The events had initially been reported as clashes between fans.

Officials watching the match, including two ministers, were prevented from leaving, prompting stone throwing and the firing of tear gas by security forces, a witness said, speaking on condition of anonymity.