Anger flares in Egypt after 79 die in soccer riot
Al-Masry fans chase Al-Ahly players during riots that erupted after the football match.
February 2nd, 2012
11:59 AM ET

Anger flares in Egypt after 79 die in soccer riot

[Updated at 11:59 a.m. ET] Egyptians began three days of mourning Thursday for the 79 people who perished the previous day at a violent soccer riot, as the nation's fledgling parliament erupted in anger over the national tragedy.

The speaker of the parliament ordered an end to a live broadcast of Thursday's parliament session, so heated was the debate. But the order was retracted after angry lawmakers made their objections known.

A deputy of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party demanded the resignation of the interior minister, holding him responsible for the loss of lives. Another deputy accused security guards of allowing fans to bring weapons into the stadium in Port Said.

A committee will investigate the circumstances that caused the deadly riot Wednesday at the match pitting Cairo's Al-Ahly team against Al-Masry of Port Said.

When the referee blew the final whistle of Wednesday's match in Port Said, the score was Al-Masry 3, Al-Ahly 1. Thousands of Al-Masry fans stormed the pitch despite their home team's hard-fought victory.

Rival fans attacked one another with rocks and chairs. Many of those who died fell from bleachers inside the stadium, said Ahmed Saeed, an official from the Port Said governor's office. Others suffocated.

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Filed under: Egypt • Soccer • Sports
soundoff (11 Responses)
  1. RAGE Against the Machine

    Soccer sucks! See, even the fans know it and are offing themselves because of how boring of a sport it is.

    February 2, 2012 at 7:38 am | Report abuse |
    • banasy ©

      I take it you don’t like soccer
      Tell us how you really feel…lol.

      February 2, 2012 at 8:04 am | Report abuse |
  2. Portland tony

    This the world's greatest pastime. That is, ....rioting at football (soccer) matches. Used to be part of the game! Brits and Germans used to excel at it.

    February 2, 2012 at 8:54 am | Report abuse |
  3. bobcat (in a hat) ©

    Riots at these soccer games are so prevalent, they may as well make them the half-time entertainment.

    February 2, 2012 at 12:09 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Opal Monroe

    Their parliament needs someone like Margaret Thatcher and the game of soccer is one that should be played with true spirit. I think these fans are out of line. It is just a game and it's not like their playing.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXjBYp94fSU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

    February 2, 2012 at 12:13 pm | Report abuse |
    • banasy ©

      Why do you keep spamming this dude’s audition?
      I personally wouldn’t hire him to walk my dog….

      February 2, 2012 at 12:37 pm | Report abuse |
  5. BOMBO ©

    Lets see, soccer, non-violent game, seems to spark riots among fans.

    Hockey, violent game, does NOT spark violence among fans.

    Unless Mike Milbury is involved. I still remember him beating up that fan in New York with his own shoe. One of the funniest things ever.

    February 2, 2012 at 12:27 pm | Report abuse |
  6. ms

    I went to a riot and a soccer game broke out...seriously soccer fans are known for getting rowdy. They should have checked for weapons. I agree the ppl that fell probably had gone to sleep from boredom.

    February 2, 2012 at 12:45 pm | Report abuse |
  7. saywhat

    What an insensitive comment.

    tragic loss of life at a sporting event. The details that are coming in point to elements that came prepared to create havoc. Hope they are identified and dealt with.

    February 2, 2012 at 1:56 pm | Report abuse |
  8. saywhat

    My 1:56 was in response to a comment from a 'turd' type which is no longer there.

    February 2, 2012 at 2:19 pm | Report abuse |
  9. mario

    this is good post thanks

    March 16, 2012 at 5:27 pm | Report abuse |
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