The "Navétanes" football tournament has been suspended indefinitely in Ngandiouf, a commune in the Tivaouane department of western Senegal. The decision was made by the sub-prefect of the Niakhène arrondissement, Babacar Kébé, citing risks of public disorder. The suspension comes after a match between ASC Mbakhisse and ASC Ndop Gadiaga, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Mbakhisse.
According to eyewitnesses, an incident occurred when a member of the tournament's organizing committee was assaulted while collecting balls on the field after the match. The victim was taken to the Ngandiouf health post and later transferred to the Mékhé health center. News of the assault sparked a reaction from local youths, leading to clashes between the two teams' supporters.
The altercations resulted in around a dozen injuries and significant material damage to the stadium, including broken chairs and a damaged vehicle. The incidents prompted the sub-prefect to take swift action to prevent further escalation. Babacar Kébé's arrêté, issued on Tuesday, effectively puts an end to all "Navétanes" activities in Ngandiouf until further notice.
The "Navétanes" championship is a popular national tournament in Senegal. The suspension of the tournament in Ngandiouf is a blow to local football enthusiasts and players. The decision highlights the challenges of maintaining security at sports events, particularly in smaller communities.
The incidents in Ngandiouf have raised concerns about the potential for violence at future matches. The local authorities' response aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring. The sub-prefect's office has not provided a timeline for when the tournament might resume.
The "Navétanes" tournament is an important part of Senegalese sporting culture. The suspension in Ngandiouf serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation between local authorities, organizers, and fans to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The situation in Ngandiouf will be closely monitored by local authorities and sports officials. The resumption of the "Navétanes" tournament will depend on the assessment of the security situation and the implementation of measures to prevent future incidents.
Key points
- The "Navétanes" football tournament has been suspended indefinitely in Ngandiouf due to violent incidents following a match between ASC Mbakhisse and ASC Ndop Gadiaga.
- A dozen people were injured and material damage was reported in the clashes between supporters of the two teams.
- The sub-prefect of Niakhène, Babacar Kébé, issued an arrêté suspending all "Navétanes" activities in Ngandiouf until further notice.
