Egypt's ruling military council has announced three days of national mourning following the deaths of at least 74 people in clashes between rival football fans in the city of Port Said.
The February 1 violence is being described as the worst case of soccer violence ever in Egypt, and the deadliest worldwide since 1996.
The February 1 violence is being described as the worst case of soccer violence ever in Egypt, and the deadliest worldwide since 1996.
The Government has moved quickly to dismiss port-said head of security while Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzuri summoned his Cabinet for an emergency session later Thursday.
The clashes began as soon as the referee blew the final whistle in the match, which saw the hosts Al-Masri beat Cairo Al-ahly 3-1.
Al-Masri fans flooded the field threw stones, bottles and Fireworks at Al-Ahli backers, causing chaos and panic, as players and fans ran in all directions, trying to escape, witnesses said.
Photos of bleeding players circulated on the Internet.
Shooting was also reported on the main road leading to Port Said from Cairo, and troops have been deployed to prevent further clashes.
State television ran footage of RIOT POLICE tightly stand number as pandemonium erupted around them.
Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim said that most of the deaths were caused by doctors, but crush said that some people are slaughtered.
The Ministry of Health said 74 people were killed, including a policeman. Hundreds of people were also reported injured. Police said 47 people were arrested.
The ruling military announced three days of national mourning and Ibrahim dismissed Chief of security of Essam Samak due to violence.
Shares in Cairo fell by 4.6 per cent at the end of morning trade, with the EGX-30 index of leading shares dropped with the opening points 4.688 4.471 item.
Collision, blaming Muslim brothers on supporters of the fallen President Hosni Mubarak came as the country struggles with a wave of incidents related to the low level of security.
Policy, fans and players walked out on social media to express their fury over the clashes Cap a year of political turmoil and unrest after the uprising, dropped Mubarak.
"There are dead people lying on the ground! There are dead people in the locker room, "Al-Ahli striker Emad Meteab told the satellite channel command.
"I will not anymore to play football until these people to justice," furious Meteab said.
Hated the Egyptian police force that recently came under fire for his heavy-handed tactics have been instructed to carefully deal with demonstrators to sources.
State television said military ruler field marshal Hussein Tantawi of Egypt, who came to power when He ousted 11 February last year sent two military planes to fly the players and injuries from port said on Wednesday evening.
He stressed that the security of the country "okay" when he waited at Cairo airport to greet the players and fans.
In Geneva, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he was shocked by the incident.
"This is a black day for football. Such a disastrous situation it is impossible to conceive of and should not happen, "he said.
Policy in Cairo expressed anger at the loss, with the newly elected Liberal Deputy Amr Hamzawy calling for the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior and the Governor of Port Said.
Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest political force, Mubarak accused of inciting supporters to soccer violence.
Events in port said planned and message of old regime, "said MP Essam Al-Erian said in a statement on freedom of Islamist groups and site of Justice Party.
"This tragedy is the result of negligence and lack of army and police, and the responsibility to govern the country," added Erian.
"There are those who consciously want to sow chaos in the country and place obstacles to the peaceful transfer of power."
Since the resignation of Mubarak, Egypt has seen sporadic and sometimes deadly unrest, combined with soaring crimes related to lack of unpopular police that were heavily criticized for their crackdown on protesters during the uprising.
In September, Egyptian soccer fans clashed with police in Cairo Stadium, injuring about 80 people as they chanted slogans against Mubarak and his Interior Minister and now is under investigation for the murder of protesters during the uprising.
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