According to the government, at least 56 people were killed in a crowd at a soccer match in Guinea’s second largest city, Nzérékoré.

Some reports suggest that the events unfolded after a decision by the referee, who sent off two players from the visiting team, Labé, and awarded a controversial penalty.

An investigation will be launched to find those responsible, Prime Minister Oury Bah said in a statement, calling the events “tragic” and offering condolences to the bereaved families.

A doctor who did not want to be named told the AFP news agency that there were “bodies lined up in the hospital as far as the eye can see.”

“Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The mortuary is full,” he added.

Local media reported that police used tear gas after supporters of visiting team Labé threw stones onto the pitch out of anger at the referee.

“It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans stormed the pitch,” a witness told AFP.

Videos and images on social media verified by the BBC show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with large crowds trying to climb over walls and numerous bodies on the ground.

Some of those lying motionless on the ground appear to be children.

Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in Nzérékoré, told the BBC that internet access was limited in the area and that police were guarding the entrance to the hospital where the injured were being treated.

“I observed six police pickup trucks positioned in front of the three entrances to the hospital. They only allowed medical staff into the hospital while others were told to go back the way they came.”

Prime Minister Bah paid tribute to the dozens of people killed and promised comprehensive medical and psychological support to all those injured.

Guinea’s soccer association Feguifoot called it a moment of “intense pain” and said football should “unite hearts and bring minds closer” and not cause “tragedy and sorrow.”

“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said in a statement by its president Patrice Motsepe.

Guinea is one of several countries – including Ethiopia, Gambia, Chad and Sierra Leone – currently banned from hosting international soccer matches because the venues do not meet international standards, according to CAF.

This meant that during Guinea’s recent participation in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, all home games had to be played in neighboring Ivory Coast.

Thousands of spectators were present when a crowd broke out at a match between Nzérékoré and Labé, local news site MediaGuinée reported.

Sunday’s game was part of a tournament honoring President Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in September 2021.

The opposition says the games are part of a broader campaign to drum up support for the junta leader ahead of a possible presidential bid.

On Monday, the opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy also accused the authorities of bearing “significant responsibility for these serious events.”

The government has not responded.

In recent months, powerful figures in Guinean football have come under increased scrutiny.

In July, an investigation into corruption and violence in football was opened against Aboubacar Sampil, president of the state football association Feguifoot.

A young colleague accused Mr Sampil, who also chairs the board of local team ASK, of encouraging violence and trying to influence the referees in a match that ASK lost 1-0 to Milo FC.

The latter team had to abandon the game and had difficulty leaving the field safely, according to documents filed with Feguifoot’s ethics board.

Among other things, Mr. Sampil was also accused of circumventing protocol and appointing people to jobs without word.

He has always denied any wrongdoing.

Additional reporting by Armand Mouko and Richard Irvine-Brown