Menu
02/02/2012
Blatter 'Shocked' By Egypt Riot
The Fifa president has said he is "shocked and saddened" by riots during a football match in Egypt that claimed 74 lives.
His comments come as it is reported that around 1,000 people were injured in the violence on Wednesday evening when soccer fans invaded the pitch in Cairo after local team al-Masry beat visitors from Cairo's Al Ahli, Egypt's biggest club.
According to witness reports, hundreds of al-Masry supporters surged across the pitch after the gamee, headed to the visitors' end.
Panicked Ahli fans then dashed for the exit but the steel doors were bolted shut and dozens were crushed to death by the panicked mobs.
"I am very shocked and saddened to learn this evening that a large number of football supporters have died or been injured following a match in Port Said, Egypt," Fifa President Sepp Blatter said. "My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives this evening."
Mr Blatter said it was a "black day for football" and added: "Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen."
(DW/GK)
His comments come as it is reported that around 1,000 people were injured in the violence on Wednesday evening when soccer fans invaded the pitch in Cairo after local team al-Masry beat visitors from Cairo's Al Ahli, Egypt's biggest club.
According to witness reports, hundreds of al-Masry supporters surged across the pitch after the gamee, headed to the visitors' end.
Panicked Ahli fans then dashed for the exit but the steel doors were bolted shut and dozens were crushed to death by the panicked mobs.
"I am very shocked and saddened to learn this evening that a large number of football supporters have died or been injured following a match in Port Said, Egypt," Fifa President Sepp Blatter said. "My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives this evening."
Mr Blatter said it was a "black day for football" and added: "Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen."
(DW/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 June 2011
Blatter Onside For Fifa Fourth Term
Following a failed attempt to delay Wednesday's presidential election, it looks likely that Sepp Blatter will kick off a fourth term heading Fifa. Amid allegations of corruption within Fifa, the Football Association and the Scottish Football Association called for the presidential election to be postponed.
Blatter Onside For Fifa Fourth Term
Following a failed attempt to delay Wednesday's presidential election, it looks likely that Sepp Blatter will kick off a fourth term heading Fifa. Amid allegations of corruption within Fifa, the Football Association and the Scottish Football Association called for the presidential election to be postponed.
10 November 2011
Poppies Permitted After PM Pleas
Fifa has capitulated to pressure from the British Prime Minister and Prince William saying it will now permit the wearing of poppies by England, Scotland and Wales football teams to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
Poppies Permitted After PM Pleas
Fifa has capitulated to pressure from the British Prime Minister and Prince William saying it will now permit the wearing of poppies by England, Scotland and Wales football teams to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
01 May 2008
Four Britons In Egypt Bus Crash
British nationals are believed to have been hurt in a bus crash in Egypt. It is thought that nine people have been killed and a further 16 have been injured. Reports say that four British holidaymakers have been injured although the Foreign Office has not confirmed this or whether any Britons are among the dead.
Four Britons In Egypt Bus Crash
British nationals are believed to have been hurt in a bus crash in Egypt. It is thought that nine people have been killed and a further 16 have been injured. Reports say that four British holidaymakers have been injured although the Foreign Office has not confirmed this or whether any Britons are among the dead.
05 October 2007
Football Fan In Court Over Pitch Incident
A 27-year-old man has appeared in court charged in connection with an incident during Wednesday night's Champions League match between Celtic and Inter Milan at Celtic Park. Robert McHendry was arrested after he handed himself into a Glasgow police station on Thursday afternoon.
Football Fan In Court Over Pitch Incident
A 27-year-old man has appeared in court charged in connection with an incident during Wednesday night's Champions League match between Celtic and Inter Milan at Celtic Park. Robert McHendry was arrested after he handed himself into a Glasgow police station on Thursday afternoon.
02 August 2005
Fifth Briton confirmed dead in Egypt bombings
The Foreign Office has confirmed that a fifth Briton was among those killed in last month’s bombs in an Egyptian holiday resort. Five Britons are still missing, feared dead, following the triple explosions at the Sharm al-Sheikh resort on July 23.
Fifth Briton confirmed dead in Egypt bombings
The Foreign Office has confirmed that a fifth Briton was among those killed in last month’s bombs in an Egyptian holiday resort. Five Britons are still missing, feared dead, following the triple explosions at the Sharm al-Sheikh resort on July 23.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
