Football: Blatter ‘shocked’ by Egypt violence

Fans invaded the pitch and began to throw rocks and bottles at the opposing team’s fans.

GENEVA: Fifa President Sepp Blatter has said it was a ‘black day for football’ and should not have happened when at least 73 fans were killed in violence after a match in the Eyptian city of Port Said. “I’m very shocked and saddened to learn that a large number of football supporters have died or been injured,” said Blatter. “This is a black day for football. Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and shouldn’t happen.” The violence erupted as soon as the referee blew the final whistle as fans of Al-Masri, who beat Al-Ahly 3-0, invaded the pitch and began to throw rocks and bottles at the opposing team’s fans.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2012.