Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, November 08, 2016
Hargeisa (HOL) - At least 30 people were wounded yesterday at Hargeisa stadium following a scrum between rival football fans that quickly turned to chaos as police tried to break up the rowdy spectators.
The stadium descended into hooliganism after unruly supporters from Hawd began stoning spectators and security after their side was defeated 2-1. Witnesses at the game said that officers fired live rounds but Somaliland police commander , Abdullahi Fadal Iimaan told media that they were firing rubber bullets.
"When the commotion started, police began firing rubber bullets and tear gas which caused panic among the spectators. A stampede quickly ensued injuring 12 civilians and 15 officers" He also added the rowdy spectators blocked the road with burnt tires and damaged cars.
A source at Hargeisa General Hospital said that 7 people arrived at the hospital with injuries consistent with gun shot wounds while most other patients were injured by stones or as a result of the stampede. Despite this, there have no deaths reported.
Many friends of the wounded turned up at the hospital only to be turned away as security was tightened.