General

Egypt braces for more violence after soccer riot kills dozens

Security forces blamed as fighting spirals out of control

When Egyptians inched toward democracy last year, few could have imagined the democracy they would emulate would be Britain in the 1980s.

Savage riots broke out after a top-tier soccer team lost in Port Said Wednesday night. Police and security are said to have stood by as fans attacked first the players then each other. Seventy-four people were killed in the violence or while trying to flee it.

Some are now claiming security forces allowed or even stoked the chaos, either as political power play or to claim revenge on the ‘Ultras,’ soccer supporters who played a key role in anti-government protests last year.

The Guardian

Associated Press

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: