On 14 May, a football match held in Tarhouna between al‑Swehli (from Misrata) and al‑Ittihad (from Tripoli) in the Libyan Premier League’s championship round ended in serious riots.
The match, which was held behind closed doors for security reasons, stopped in the 87th minute, with al‑Swehli leading 1–0. Tensions erupted after al‑Ittihad players protested a referee’s decision not to award a penalty, triggering escalating chaos on and around the field. The incident led to quarrels between al‑Ittihad fans and security personnel at first outside the stadium. Subsequently, fans stormed into the stadium and onto the pitch, assaulting match officials and some al-Swehli players. Equipment of the Tarhuna Stadium and a Libya Sports Channel’s broadcast vehicle were damaged and vandalized.
Security forces, including from the 444th Combat Brigade, tried to bring the situation under control and were subsequently also attacked by the rioters. Members of the 444th Combat Brigade used live ammunition to disperse the crowds. At first, only minor injuries were reported, with one person treated on the scene.
In the evening, the 444th Combat Brigade said that one of its soldiers was killed in the morning after being struck by a gunshot inside the Tarhouna football stadium. Seven other soldiers were injured in stabbings and violent assaults, while several players, media workers, and team staff were also hurt amid the chaos. The Brigade expressed regret over what was described as reckless disregard for the lives of soldiers performing their national duty.
Purportedly, the killed soldier was hit by friendly fire.