Gambiaj.com – (BASSE, The Gambia) – Panic broke out at the Democracy Pavilion of Basse Mini Stadium on Friday after a violent clash erupted among spectators during a Third Division League match between Kuteh Jombulu FC and Kerewan FC.
The incident occurred in the pavilion area shared by supporters of Kerewan FC and spectators from surrounding communities, turning what began as a routine football fixture into a scene of chaos and fear.
Eyewitnesses said the disturbance started suddenly for reasons that remain unclear, triggering a wave of panic across the stands. Spectators reportedly began hurling stones at each other, forcing families and other fans to scramble for safety as the confrontation escalated.
Parents were seen shielding their children while others rushed to exit the pavilion amid the confusion.
“One moment we were cheering, the next people were running for their lives,” said a woman who had attended the match with her young son.
During the turmoil, a security officer reportedly confiscated a cutlass from one of the spectators and handed it over to the match commissioner, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and raising concerns about security at local football matches.
Despite the intensity of the confrontation, no serious injuries were reported.
The incident has nevertheless cast a shadow over the match and sparked alarm among local football stakeholders, who say such violence undermines the role of football as a unifying community activity.
Supporters and observers are now urging authorities, including the Upper River Region Football Association and the competition department responsible for the league, to take decisive steps to strengthen security and crowd management at regional football fixtures.
“Football brings our communities together, it shouldn’t put lives at risk,” one supporter said.
The clash has intensified calls for stricter safety measures at stadiums across the Upper River Region, particularly during high-attendance community matches where supporters from different localities gather in shared spaces.
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