74 fans killed in Egypt's worst football riot

Egyptian football plunged into darkness when riots between rival supporters at the seaside city of Port Said resulted in the deaths of more than 74 innocent civilians and injuring more than 1000 people in one of the worst football related violence ever. An upset victory by the home team Al-Masry over the favourites Al Ahly set off an unprecedented clash between rival supporters which resulted in stampede as riot police largely failed to intervene. The incident has reminded the world of the detoriating security in Egypt amidst the chaos and confusion after Hosni Mubarak stepped down.

The incident started when Al Masri, the home team was on course for a famous victory against Al Ahly, one of the top clubs of Egypt. At the end of the match, thousands of supporters of the home team invaded the pitch and attacked opposing players, security personnel’s and staffs. One of the players even described this ghastly and horrific event “ as war”. With the supporters pelting stones, bottles and other objects, rival players were quickly escortedoff the pitch by the police. Although most of the players are injured, no player has died in the clashes.

Immediately after the incident, Egyptian FA announced an immediate suspension of all the leagues and called for a three –day mourning . The immediate suspension resulted in more clashes as the fans of Al Ahli’s traditional rivals, Zamalek protested against the indefinite suspension and set large parts of the stadium on fire.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has strongly condemned the incident and has called for hooliganism and violence to be immediately stamped out from the sport. “I am very shocked and saddened to learn this evening that a large number of football supporters have died or been injured following a match in Port Said, Egypt,’ the statement said.

‘My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives this evening. This is a black day for football. Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen.

This incident is one of the deadliest tragedies since 78 people died and 180 others were injured in a stampede at a stadium in Guatemala City before a World Cup qualifying match between Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Egyptian FA , known to have faced football related violence regularly should share the blame as a similar incident had sparked off a year ago where the police and the military were mute spectators. Political blame game has already begun with many people feeling that the riots are not only related to football but have a far bigger implication.