A controversial refereeing decision sparked violence at a soccer match in southeast Guinea, killing at least 56 people, the government said.

Some 135 people were killed in a crush at a soccer stadium in southeast Guinea on Sunday, a local group of human rights organizations said, sharing an estimated death toll more than twice as high as the official toll of 56.

The military rulers of the West African nation of Guinea say at least 56 people were killed in a stampede sparked by clashing fans at a soccer match.