Algeria football stampede toll up to 3 dead, 81 injured

This picture taken on October 1, 2022 shows security personnel (lower) on the pitch after a football match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java. - At least 127 people died at a football stadium in Indonesia late on October 1 when fans invaded the pitch and police responded with tear gas, triggering a stampede, officials said. (Photo by STR / AFP)

Three people were killed and 81 injured in a stampede among supporters of Algerian football club MCA in Algiers, authorities said Sunday.

A previous toll after the supporters fell from the upper stands on Saturday said only one had died and 11 were injured.

“Three deaths have been recorded,” the health ministry said in a statement, adding that hospitals in the capital had admitted 81 injured people.

Crowned Algerian champion for the second consecutive year and the ninth time in its history, the celebrations of the Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MCA) turned to mourning.

According to the sports website La Gazette du Fennec, a security barrier collapsed, resulting in many fans falling onto the lower level.

The Stade du 5 Juillet was packed as reigning champions MCA drew 0-0 against NC Magra.

As a result of the tragedy, the national football league decided to cancel the official trophy presentation ceremony.

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