Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifier Ends With Deaths

Note-there are some GRAPHIC images in this post. My apologies if it offends any of you. This non-charity related news item that begs our attention-or at least mine. As Didier Drogba and his Ivory Coast played their World Cup Qualifier, fans outside the stadium were being stampeded to death. Granted, this isn’t the first disaster to strike soccer fans, however, it is the first time that I can recall the media printing photos from the stampede- and it really brings it home. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who died while trying to enjoy a beautiful game of soccer.

The good news is that the Ivory Coast won their World Cup qualifier 5-0 against Malawi on Sunday, but the bad news is that 19 people were killed when fans tried to push their way into the stadium.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter offered his condolences and also demanded a full investigation. “I wish to express extreme sorrow and extend our condolences to the Ivorian football community and, most importantly, to family, friends and loved ones following the tragic deaths in Abidjan,” Blatter said in a statement.

The stampede took place at the Houphouet Boigny stadium in Abidjan on March 30. At least 19 people were killed-including children-and more than 130 were badly hurt when hundreds of fans tried to force their way into the stadium during the game.

The cause of the crowd-swell is still under investigation. Government officials are looking into accusations it was caused by non-ticket holders who had bribed their way through security. Some fans are blaming the police, claiming they fired tear gas into the crowd creating panic among those who had nowhere to run.

“We saw people falling from the top bleachers,” said Diarassouba Adama, who was inside the stadium. “The stampede was provoked by the security forces who threw tear gas canisters at us. I don’t know why they fired on us.” Others agree: “My brother left to go to the stadium with his friends. At the entrance, they were attacked by security forces. That’s what set off the stampede,” Momodou Kamara said after identifying the body of his brother.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com