27 Fans Killed After Riots In Egypt
At least 27 fans were reportedly killed after riots between ultra football fans and police in Cairo, prior to a match between Zamalek and ENPPI.
Another 30 reportedly were injured after security denied barred fans access to the Air Defense Stadium ahead of the game.
Egyptian state media confirmed the incident in a statement, saying supporters of both clubs tried to force their way into the stadium without having tickets.
"Huge numbers of Zamalek club fans came to Air Defense Stadium to attend the match and tried to storm the stadium gates by force, which prompted the troops to prevent them from continuing the assault," read a statement from the interior ministry.
However, the report didn't confirm the number casualties.
Fans claimed the violence began after authorities only opened one small gate to let people into the stadium.
Official sources insisted that the supporters had set fire to a police vehicle and police subsequently arrested the initiators of the attack. They further confirm that tear gas was also used by security forces to disperse fans.
One fan, who wanted to stay unnamed, claimed that the stampede started after police fired tear gas at the packed crowd.
The tragedy is the latest in a strong of incidents in Egypt in recent times, after 74 were killed in a riot at a stadium on Port Said in February 2012.
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