But the violence of the Ultras is directed as much against those of rival clubs as it is against the security forces, according to a Middle East football expert.
The Ultras of al-Ahly and arch-rival Zamalek played prominent roles in the 18-day uprising that spelled the end of Mubarak's rule and the violence raised fresh concerns about the ability of the state police to manage crowds. This is a huge rivalry and they're always in attendance, but they weren't this time." Kamel insisted that the cause of the catastrophe was the chant against Scaf rule by al-Ahly's group of supporters known as the Ultras at a previous game. What happened today was not just about trouble at a football match, it's related to other events in the country." Another fan, Mahmoud Kamel, said, "Where was the security? And where were the clubs and governorate representatives who always attend this game. One al-Ahly supporter outside the club, Khaled Gad, told the Guardian: "There is a strong political connection. Fans believe the violence was intrinsically linked to Egypt's political situation.Chants rang out against the ministry of interior and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. They were joined by fans of their arch-rivals Zamalek, who came along to offer support. In Cairo, fans congregated outside Al-Ahly's ground in the Zamalek neighbourhood, some in tears as they waited to hear news of family and friends who had attended the match. A small group of riot police tried to protect the players, but appeared to be overwhelmed and unable to stop fans attacking players. Television footage showed players running from the pitch chased by fans. Dozens of people died and hundreds were injured after clashes broke out at a football match in Port Said between Cairo club Al-Ahly and local club Al-Masry.Here's a round up of the latest developments and analysis: Egypt Today we will be focusing on Egypt and the aftermath of the football violence in Port Said, and Syria as UN diplomats draft a new resolution aimed at appeasing Russia.