Scenes of violence at a football match in Cameroon

The match between Rizière du Noun and Bafmeng United, played as part of the ‘inter-group’ stage, ended in a climate of great tension.

The competition is organised by the Cameroonian Football Federation to determine the champions of the regional leagues and award promotion places to the Elite Two professional league, Cameroon’s second tier. However, Rizière du Noun’s 1–0 defeat was followed by scenes of violence.

Unhappy with the referees’ decisions during the match, supporters vented their anger, causing serious incidents at the Mbankomo Stadium. Violence erupted as soon as the final whistle blew.

According to reports in the Cameroonian press, Rizière du Noun supporters violently attacked match officials and some supporters in the stands. The facilities at Mbankomo Stadium were ransacked and damaged.

A journalist covering the match was also physically assaulted and his mobile phone was damaged.