At least 73 football fans killed in Egypt after league match between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly

 

Tragedy has struck Egyptian football yet again, with several dozen deaths reported after the crunch league encounter in Port Said between two of the country's top clubs.

 

At least 73 people have died during rioting after Al-Masry's 3-1 home victory against Al-Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League, according to the country's health ministry.

The reported death toll has risen throughout the evening as more casualties appear and the severity of the disaster becomes apparent.

Thousands of Masry fans flooded the field just seconds after the match. While some celebrated, others attacked fans and players of the Egyptian champions. Police presence appeared to be light around the far end of the stadium where the Ahly players had gathered.

It is reported that the home fans cornered Al-Ahly's supporters on the pitch and around the stadium, throwing stones and bottles at them.

The two clubs have had a fractious relationship for some time, with several clashes ocurring between fans over the years.

Ahly stars Mohamed Bakarat and Emad Meteb have vowed that their club "will not play football again" after the violence.

Midfielder Mohamed Aboutreika added, "The security forces left us. They did not protect us. A fan just died in the dressing room in front of me."

Meanwhile, Egyptian FA chairman Samir Zaher has admitted that the Premier League may be put on hold as a result of Wednesday's incident.

The aftershocks of the 2011 revolution continue to be felt as Egyptian society remains divided.