60 injured in clash at football match in Nikli Haor

At least 60 people were injured in a clash over seating arrangements at a football match in Kishoreganj’s Nikli Haor upazila on Friday.

The incident took place at the Guroi playground in Nikli Haor upazila.

Abul Mansur Mamun, a resident of the Guroi area and organising secretary of Nikli Upazila BNP, said the football tournament was organised by Guroi Nabajagaran Unnayan Sangha, featuring 16 teams from Nikli and Bajitpur upazilas. The tournament has been held for the past seven years. Mamun is a patron of the organisation.

Nikli Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Shafiqul Islam said, “We have not received any information about the incident. However, we will go there if called.”

The final match was played between the Hilchia and Sarachar union teams of Bajitpur on Friday. Around 5,000 spectators attended the match.

Both teams scored one goal each. During the match, a dispute broke out over spectators’ seating arrangements on the field. Volunteers went to control the situation, but a commotion ensued. Soon, a clash broke out, with people throwing chairs.

About 60 people were injured in the clash and while fleeing the scene. However, no weapons were used, and none of the injured sustained serious injuries.

Mamun said a few police officers usually attend every match as spectators, and they were present on Friday as well. However, they were unable to do much to control the situation.

He said they would hold a meeting with all parties on Sunday and try to organise the final match again.