Violently fighting for safety and survival is not usually expected at a soccer game. Games are intended to be competitive between players, and sometimes spectators, but when sticks and stones start flying, that fine line between healthy competition and a warzone is crossed.
Unfortunately, after a soccer game in Egypt on Feb. 1, that fine line was erased. Port Said hosted the game between Egypt’s home team, Al-Masry, and known-rivals Al-Ahly. Combined with the intensity of the fans it was an exciting and fair match, that is until the game ended.
The home team, Al-Masry, had a winning score of 3-1. Instead celebrating, the team attacked their opponents. Al-Masry stormed the field with sticks and stones, chasing players and fans.
Most unusual was the police, dressed in full uniform with helmets and shields, who did nothing as the outburst of violence unfolded around them. A player, Mohammed Abu Trika, recalls the police observing the violence, refusing to make any effort to help the people before them being trampled and beaten. They were later criticized by their lack of interference.
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi told the military air base east of Cairo “These incidents happen anywhere in the