At least 56 people have been killed and many more injured in Guinea after a controversial refereeing decision caused fans to storm the pitch and begin rioting on Monday.

The match between Labe and Nzerekore was the final of a tournament being played in honour of the country's military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya.

Fans of the home team, Nzerekore, raided the pitch after a player of theirs was sent off, and a penalty was awarded to the opposition.

The situation descended into further chaos once authorities began using tear gas on the crowd, triggering a rush to the stadium's sole exit, resulting in a deadly stampede.

Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah has expressed his condolences and announced that an investigation will be launched to determine who was responsible.

"On behalf of the President of the Republic, Head of State, Army General Mamadi Doumbouya, the Government pays tribute to the victims and presents its condolences to the bereaved families," he said.

"It also wishes a speedy recovery to the injured, whose care is guaranteed.

"Public services are committed to supporting bereaved families, including providing psycho-medical support to the injured.

"The Government assures the population that investigations will be conducted to establish responsibilities linked to this tragic event."

Guinea has had a turbulent political history, with military leader Doumbouya seizing power in a 2021 coup.