62 Injured in Clashes Between Fans at Newroz Stadium in Sulaymaniyah

23-04-2025 11:48

Peregraf

At least 62 people were injured following violent clashes between fans of Newroz Sports Club and Zakho Sports Club during a football match in Sulaymaniyah on Tuesday night. The unrest broke out at the Newroz Stadium as tensions escalated near the end of a goalless match in the Iraq Stars League.

According to the Sulaymaniyah Health Directorate, 25 of the injured were treated at the scene, while 27 were transported to local hospitals by ambulance. An additional 10 individuals were taken to medical facilities by relatives. Most of the injured have since been discharged, with only one person still receiving hospital care.

The Kurdistan Region's Interior Ministry launched an investigation into the incident on Wednesday, ordering the formation of a special committee to visit the stadium and determine the cause of the violence.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that “the undesirable situation has been brought under control,” adding that provincial police managed to restore order and ensure the safety of both fans and players.

The clashes erupted during the final minutes of the match between Sulaymaniyah-based Newroz SC and Zakho SC of Duhok. What started as rising tension among the supporters quickly escalated into chaos, with fans storming the field and physical altercations reported among spectators and some players.

The Interior Ministry urged fans and citizens to uphold the values of sportsmanship and called on media outlets to contribute to promoting unity and fair competition across clubs in Kurdistan and Iraq.