Violence in Egypt’s stadiums undermines attendance hopes

Ultras Ahlawy have been accused of attacking Egyptian military personnel Violent actions in Egyptian football stadiums during recent matches have threatened the continuation of the Egyptian League. The actions have undermined hopes that fans can return to attending matches in stadiums. The Egyptian football club of Al Ahly received a formal letter from the administration of Borg el-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, demanding the club pay EGP 500,000 compensation for the damages committed by fans during a recent match.
Egypt’s military institution expressed resentment over the presence of Ahly supporters in military stadiums. They pointed out that fan group, Ultras, have recently attacked a number of leading figures in the Egyptian military including the former leader of the military council, Marshal Mohamed Hussien Tantawy.
Ultras members accused the former minister of conducting a deal with thugs to execute the Port Said Stadium massacre 14 months ago, in which 72 members of the Ultras were killed.
Meanwhile, a member of the Egyptian Federation of Football, Khaled Latif, denied that the current instability in Egypt will result in the cancellation of the league.
Latif expressed frustration over the actions of the Ultras, and stated that league matches will not be threatened as the fans are not allowed to attend the matches.
He clarified that violent actions committed by fans undermines efforts to allow supporters to return to attending matches.