Reach Millions Globally as an IBT sports contributor.

Egypt Soccer Riot: 'This is Not Football. This is a War' [Video]

By Daniel Tovrov: Subscribe to Daniel's

February 1, 2012 3:29 PM EST

At least 73 people were killed on Wednesday after rival fans of two Egyptian soccer teams rushed the field after a game.

Officials raised the death toll from 26 just hours after the incident. Another 1,000 people were reportedly injured.

The violence started after home team Al-Masry won an unexpected 3-1 victory over al-Ahly, Egypt's top team. Home fans in Port Said, where the match took place, stormed the field and chased rival players and fans. The fans also threw stones, fireworks, and bottles during the melee and some sections of the stadium were set on fire by flares.

The players were taken to the locker room for protection. It is not currently known if any of the dead or injured were from either team.

"This is not football. This is a war and people are dying in front of us. There is no movement and no security and no ambulances," Al Ahly player Mohamed Aboutrika said following the event.

Follow us

"I call for the league to be cancelled. This is a horrible situation and today can never be forgotten."

According to The Telegraph, there was only a light police presence at the match.

"It is the biggest disaster in Egypt's soccer history," Egypt's deputy health minister said.

The country's brand new parliament has already scheduled an emergency meeting on Thursday, and all professional soccer matches in Egypt have been indefinitely suspended.

Video of the riot after the jump.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail:
To contact the editor, e-mail:

This article is copyrighted by International Business Times, the business news leader
Sponsor Link:
Join the Conversation
Most popular
IBTimes TV

73 yr Old Becomes Oldest Woman to Climb Mount Everest

Global Markets
Existing Home Sales Jump, World Banks Lowers China Forecast, Euro Prepares for Greek Exit

E-Newsletters

We value your privacy. Your email address will not be shared.