Dozens of people were killed following clashes that occurred around a football match in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. According to the French news agency, the Egyptian Ministry of Interior reported 19 fatalities from the clashes. Meanwhile, the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram cited a medical official stating that at least 30 people were victims of the clashes; however, Al Jazeera reported that 40 people were killed in these confrontations. The match on February 8 involved the teams Zamalek and Enppi, and doctors and witnesses told Reuters that most victims died from asphyxiation after police used tear gas. Al-Ahram also quoted a hospital official saying that the deceased mainly lost their lives due to asphyxiation and being trampled. Fans gathered to watch the match attempted to force their way into the stadium. The Egyptian Ministry of Interior stated, 'A large group of Zamalek fans went to the Air Force Stadium to watch the match. They tried to force their way inside, prompting a military response to prevent the assault.' A group of Zamalek fans and family members gathered outside the hospital treating the injured from this incident. Egyptian officials have suspended all club competitions in the country. One of the videos posted on YouTube showing the clashes indicates that the relationship between Zamalek fans—known as 'Ultras'—and police has been tense, especially since the fall of Hosni Mubarak in 2011. The 'Ultras' were among the groups that played a key role in the overthrow of the former Egyptian dictator. According to state media, the Egyptian prosecutor's office has ordered the arrest of the leaders of the Zamalek fans, known as the 'White Knights.' Reuters reports that they referred to the deceased as 'martyrs' on their Facebook page. Previously, deadly and violent clashes have occurred around football matches in Egypt. In 2012, 72 people were killed in one of these clashes in Port Said. Following the Port Said clashes, unrest continued in the country, which was exacerbated by the confirmation of death sentences for those accused of inciting riots.
Dozens Killed in Clashes Near Stadium in Cairo
Dozens were killed in violent clashes during a football match in Cairo, with conflicting reports on the death toll. The clashes erupted as fans attempted to force their way into the stadium, leading to police intervention. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between fans and authorities in Egypt.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Clashes occurred near a football stadium in Cairo, resulting in dozens of deaths as fans attempted to enter the stadium. Police used tear gas, leading to fatalities primarily from asphyxiation.
- Conflicting reports on the death toll range from 19 to 40.
- The incident has led to the suspension of all club competitions in Egypt.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Football matches in Egypt have been flashpoints for violence, reflecting broader societal tensions. The 2012 Port Said incident is a notable example.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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