Forty Ahly fans arrested on 5th anniversary of Port Said violence - source

Wednesday 01-02-2017 07:00 PM

Violent clashes in Port Said stadium - Reuters

CAIRO, Feb. 1 (Aswat Masriya) - Security forces arrested more than 40 Al Ahly SC fans as they attempted to enter their club on Wednesday, a security source said. 

Feb. 1 marks the fifth anniversary of the deadly violence that broke out after a tense game between Cairo's Al Ahly and Port Said's local al-Masry football teams.

"It is more likely that they will be identified and inspected then released without pressing charges," the source told Aswat Masriya. 

The ardent supporters, Ultras Ahlawy, announced in a statement late Tuesday that they will cancel the memorial event that was supposed to be held today at one of Al Ahly club's stadiums. 

This came after a series of arrests and restrictions imposed on the group by the interior ministry ahead of the anniversary. 

Two days ago, the West Cairo Prosecution ordered the detention of five members of the Ultras Ahlawy fan group on charges of establishing and leading an illegal group among others. 

Hundreds staged a memorial last year in that same stadium. The group had intended to commemorate the anniversary of the Port Said violence at the same place this year where the memorial stands.

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