Angry protesters clash with police over soccer riot deaths, nine killed

Birmingham Star Friday 3rd February, 2012

CAIRO - Three people were killed in Cairo, and 6 in Suez, as thousands of angry protesters clashed with security forces in Egypt's capital Cairo and other cities for a second day Friday over the deaths of 79 football fans on Wednesday.

Three people died in Cairo, including an official who was killed by buckshot fired at close range outside the interior ministry office in the capital, where thousands of football fans and pro-democracy activists congregated Thursday night, and chanted loudly calling for the fall of the Army Council and for Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the de facto head of state, to be hanged.

Two more protesters were killed when police opened fire on a rally in Suez city, at the southern end of the Suez Canal. Another four, including a teenager were also killed in Suez.

The protests were over the deaths of 79 spectators Wednesday when fans of Egypt's top-tier clubs al-Masry and al-Ahly clashed after a match in Port Said. Over 1,000 were wounded in the soccer riot.

Many Egyptians blame the authorities for failing to protect fans during the soccer riot at a stadium in Port Said.

Hundreds of al-Ahly football fans carried flags and wore their scarves for Friday prayers outside the club to remember Wednesday's dead. They then marched to Tahrir Square in central Cairo.

As protesters embroiled in angry clashes with security forces, the latter used tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The health ministry said more than 1,000 protesters were injured, some with broken bones, and most suffering from tear gas inhalation. Around 54 security personnel were also reported injured.

Acting after the soccer riots, the government dismissed several senior officials.

Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri suspended Port Said's security chief and the head of police investigation. The two men are in custody and will face an inquiry. Ganzouri also accepted the resignation of Port Said's governor.

The soccer violence has reignited demands for Egypt's military-led government to make reforms and improve security.

A committee is to probe the circumstances behind the riot.

A senior official of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party demanded the resignation of the interior minister, holding him responsible for the loss of life.

The soccer riot at Port Said, at the mouth of the Suez Canal, ranks among the world's worst sports disasters.