the hands of home fans. Most times, before security forces could step up intervention the havoc had been done. Matches are abandoned midway, bleeding players and referees are rushed to the nearest health centers.
The deadliest cases have erupted from the generation-old rivalry between Al Ahly and Zamalek – the two greatest Egyptian clubs with peculiar and dominant histories. Al Ahly, meaning National, was founded by low-class Egyptians who harbored strong grudges against the colonial British rule at that time. The club’s activities were also meeting sessions to debate nationalist issues. It was therefore the club for Egyptians who proudly wanted their land only for themselves, despite their poverty.
Zamalek was founded by rich and middle class Egyptians who had strong affinity with the then British government and enterprising Britons in the country. The clubs had mixed fans of whites and Egyptians. It was deemed or despised by the ordinary Egyptian as a gathering for the colo- nial masters or the exploiters.
Police repulsing an Algerian fan during a match
This polarization between owners and fans of both clubs created a sense of
rivalry and animosity that lingered on across generations and is yet to abate. It is sometimes concealed in ordinary day life, but during derbies, the demons are unleashed.
Several deaths have been recorded during clashes between fans of both clubs. Sta- dium facilities have been greatly damaged. Players and officials have incurred deep injuries. Both clubs have been banned by the Egypt Football Federation and CAF time without number. They have also been sanctioned to play their games at empty stadi- ums, yet the fight seems to continue. Perhaps, sports officials and authorities need to descend to the grassroots for solutions.
Besides the clubs, North African national teams and their fans have also faced acts of hooliganism. The Egypt and Algeria playoff for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier had to be relocated to Sudan for safety after the Algerian contingent was attacked by Egyptian fans during the return leg.
35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124