Egypt: Casualties Of Football Riot Top 73 Deaths, 150 Injured
By KUNA
The Egyptian Ministry of Health said Wednesday evening that at least 73 persons were killed and 150 others injured as a result of riots following a Premier League football match between Al-Ahly and Al-Masry teams in Port Said city.
The acts of violence expanded from Port Said Stadium to the nearby streets of the city, some 220 km northeast of Cairo, forcing the shops to shut down, the state-run Middle East News Agency (MENA) quoted undersecretary of the ministry in the city Dr. Helmi Al-Afni as saying.
“Ambulances are roaming the city to urge the residents to donate blood for the victims,” he added.
In a related development, chief of the ruling Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces Field-Marshal Mohammad Hussein Tantawi ordered two military aircraft evacuate Al-Ahly’s players and staff members as well as the injured fans from the city to Cairo.
Director General of the Club Mahmoud Allam said the board of directors of the club set up an operation room to manage the crisis.
“The board members and the room are in contact with the concerned departments and officials to ensure the safety of the team and the fans,” he added.
