74 die at football game

Thursday, 02/02/2012

An investigation is under way after violence erupted at a football game and resulted in the deaths of 74 fans.

Al Masry fans invaded the pitch after a shock 3-1 victory over Al-Ahly in Port Said, Egypt.

FIFA, world football's governing body, has asked for an investigation into how the tragedy happened.

There have been allegations that police and security staff did not act fast enough to prevent so many deaths.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, has written to the president of the Egyptian FA and said: "Today is a black day for football and we must take steps to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again.

"Football is a force for good and we must not allow it to be abused by those who mean evil. I await further news from you concerning the circumstances of this tragedy.''

Al-Ahly coach Manuel Jose said: "I was beaten with fists and kicks to the neck, head and feet. I saw our fans die before us.''

Fans were suffocated, stabbed and trapped as they tried to flee the riot.

It was the worst football violence ever in Egypt and the worst in the world since 1996 when at least 78 people were killed in a stampede during a World Cup qualifier between Guatemala and Costa Rica.

The final figure for deaths in Egypt is still not certain but it is known that one police officer is dead and a further 250 people have been injured.

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