Dozens injured as violence erupts during football match

Dozens of people were injured after violence broke out during the final match of the Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Gold Cup Football Tournament at Birshreshtha Ruhul Amin Stadium yesterday.

The match between Ramu and Teknaf upazilas was set for 3:00pm, but by early afternoon the gallery was overcrowded. Witnesses said spectators forced their way into the stadium, prompting police to take action.

Organisers suspended the match around 5:30pm. Soon after, thousands of spectators stormed the field, vandalising the press box, dressing rooms, and goalposts, and setting a fire that was later doused.

Among the injured was UNO Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury. Cox's Bazar Sadar Police Station OC Elias Khan said several policemen were also hurt.

Around 30 people were treated at Sadar Hospital, said Dr Subaktagin.

Police said the unrest stemmed from excessive crowding, said Additional SP Nazmus Sakib Khan. "We tried to prevent serious injuries, but had to act against unruly behaviour."

Spectators, however, blamed ticket mismanagement, alleging inflated prices and restricted entry despite purchasing tickets.

"The stadium has suffered extensive damage," said district sports association member Mohammad Hossain.