Dozens Killed in Fighting after Soccer Match in Egypt

An upset victory by the Al-Masry soccer team caused a riot to break out in Port Said on Wednesday. At least 74 people were killed and almost 250 were injured. Soccer fans at the match between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly rushed the field after the game. According to reports from witnesses and participants in the rioting, riot police at the game did not intervene.

It is a reminder of just how unstable security is in Egypt, which has the largest population in the Arab World. It’s been almost a year since President Mubarak was ousted. This riot was the deadliest incident of soccer violence the country has seen and the worst one in the world since 1996. One of the soccer players described the scene “like a war.”

The violence began after Al-Masry fans stormed the field after their team beat Al-Ahly by a score of 3-1. The fans began throwing stones and sticks at both fans and players of the opposing team. There were reports of gunshots in the crowd. Television footage showed Al-Ahly players running for the locker room. The manager of Al-Ahly had to be recused because he was being beaten by fans of Al-Masry.

One of the dead was a police officer. Fourteen police officers were also injured. There were 47 people arrested for their participation in the violence. It is estimated that more than 13,000 Al-Masry fans poured onto the field. Those 13,000 people attacked the 1,200 Al-Ahly fans that were in attendance. Many of those who died were killed in the stampeded. The goal keeper for Al-Ahly, Sharif Ikrami, was injured in the fighting. He said that it is over for the club. He said that there is no way that he could play soccer after 70 people were killed.

The death toll is expected to rise, as at least 40 people were undergoing surgery and were listed in serious to critical condition.

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