At least 19 people have been killed and dozens injured at the Air Force Stadium in Cairo ahead of a Premier League match, reported state-media Al-Ahram.
According to eye-witnesses, the violence started after fans attempted to storm the stadium without purchasing tickets.
One eye-witness said members of the UWK blocked roads outside the stadium before the match started, carrying long sticks and metal poles. Another witness reported seeing dozens of fans scale the fences of the stadium and fences of the nearby Air Forces club and hotel.
Egypt’s Minsitry of Interior said that many members of the UWK had attempted to destroy property and had started attacking police officers stationed at the stadium.
In response to the violence outside, Ahram reported Zamalek’s board member Ahmed Mansour declared ‘no thugs’ would be allowed to enter.
“You do not understand anything. You are not allowed to get in by force. No one will be allowed to attend the match without tickets. Football is only for respectable fans. No thugs are allowed here,” said the board member.
Meanwhile, Mortada Mansour, President of the Zamalek Sporting Club, blamed UWK members for the violence, saying they attacked police, reported El-Badil.
However, UWK said that police used excessive force to stop fans from entering the stadium. In one post, the UWK shared a photograph of the metal bars that fans must pass through, saying it was a disgrace and insulting responsible authorities.
One football fan said police opened fire after fans without tickets attempted to storm the stadium. However, it is not yet clear whether live ammunition was used.
“Down with the state, curse you, you infidels, you sons of bitches, may you be burned,” declared the UWK’s Facebook page.
Among those injured are at least three police officers, reported Egypt’s state radio. One police vehicle outside the stadium was set on fire during the violence.
Despite the violence, the football match between Zamalek and Enppi has continued after its commencement was delayed by an hour.
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