Football fans set fire to government building in Libya

Violence erupted in Tripoli after angry football supporters set fire to part of the headquarters of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), following a disputed refereeing decision during a domestic match.

The unrest began on the evening of May 14 after fans of Tripoli-based club Al-Ittihad SC protested a referee’s decision to deny a penalty in a match against Al-Swehly SC, played in the city of Tarhuna, around 65 km southeast of the capital, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The match was halted in the 87th minute after Al-Ittihad players and supporters objected to the decision. The incident escalated into disorder, with fans storming the pitch and damaging property, injuring stadium security personnel.

Images shared on social media showed injured guards being treated for head, leg and hand wounds and transported to hospital in Tarhuna.

The unrest later spread to Tripoli, where supporters gathered at the club’s complex before marching toward the GNU headquarters. Eyewitnesses said fireworks were set off during the protest, and flames broke out on the building’s facade.

By Sabina Mammadli