22 killed at Cairo soccer stadium

Egypt suspends football league after Cairo stadium deaths

At least 22 people were killed outside a Cairo soccer stadium on 8 February, prompting authorities to suspend Egypt's football league matches indefinitely.

The casualties occurred during a stampede after security forces used tear gas to stop the fans from forcing their way into the stadium for a match between Cairo premier league clubs Zamalek and ENPPI.

The interior ministry issued a statement saying that large crowds of Zamalek fans tried to storm the stadium by force but the fans blamed the authorities for opening only a single gate.

Despite the violence, the match went ahead and ended with a 1-1 draw.

Public prosecutors have ordered the arrest of the leaders of the Zamalek hardcore supporters' group, the Ultras White Knights, according to reports in Egyptian media.

Egypt has been cautious about allowing large crowds to attend football matches ever since 72 people were killed in a riot at a stadium in the Mediterranean city of Port Said in 2012.