More than 70 people are reported dead after violence flared at the end of a football match in Egypt.
The Egyptian Health Ministry told state TV that hundreds had been injured. Clashes between rival fans broke out following a pitch invasion at a game in the northern coastal city of Port Said.
Egyptian authorities said the fighting began after fans of Al Masry, the home team, flooded the pitch following a rare 3-1 victory over rivals Al Ahly, the country’s top team.
Missiles, flares and bottles were thrown as fans chased players from rival teams. The players fled to the dressing rooms, but some were reportedly injured. State TV showed fights breaking out across the pitch. The losing team’s manager was attacked.
According to the Associated Press, Egypt's state prosecutor has ordered an immediate investigation.
Parliament is expected to convene an emergency session, while all further football matches have been suspended.
Hesham Sheiha, Egypt's deputy health minister, told state TV: "This is unfortunate and deeply saddening."
According to Sky News, some of the dead include security officials.
The health ministry originally said that more than 1,000 had been injured, but they have subsequently revised that number to around 150.
The riot is being described as the worst incident of football violence since 1996 when 78 people died at a World Cup qualifying match between Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Following news of the violence, a game in Cairo was cancelled, which led to parts of the stadium being set alight.
Reuters is reporting that the Egyptian Army is being sent to the stadium to ensure the security of the players.
According to the BBC, supporters of al-Ahly, known as the Ultras, are "notoriously violent", and have been "heavily implicated" in confrontations with the police during the recent political unrest.
The Egyptian Health Ministry told state TV that hundreds had been injured. Clashes between rival fans broke out following a pitch invasion at a game in the northern coastal city of Port Said.
Egyptian authorities said the fighting began after fans of Al Masry, the home team, flooded the pitch following a rare 3-1 victory over rivals Al Ahly, the country’s top team.
Missiles, flares and bottles were thrown as fans chased players from rival teams. The players fled to the dressing rooms, but some were reportedly injured. State TV showed fights breaking out across the pitch. The losing team’s manager was attacked.
According to the Associated Press, Egypt's state prosecutor has ordered an immediate investigation.
Parliament is expected to convene an emergency session, while all further football matches have been suspended.
Hesham Sheiha, Egypt's deputy health minister, told state TV: "This is unfortunate and deeply saddening."
According to Sky News, some of the dead include security officials.
The health ministry originally said that more than 1,000 had been injured, but they have subsequently revised that number to around 150.
Following news of the violence, a game in Cairo was cancelled, which led to parts of the stadium being set alight.
Reuters is reporting that the Egyptian Army is being sent to the stadium to ensure the security of the players.
According to the BBC, supporters of al-Ahly, known as the Ultras, are "notoriously violent", and have been "heavily implicated" in confrontations with the police during the recent political unrest.
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