Football riot kills 25 in Egypt

A riot broke out outside a high-profile football game in Egypt, with a stampede and fighting between police and fans killing at least 25 people.

A riot broke out outside a high-profile football game in Egypt, with a stampede and fighting between police and fans killing at least 25 people.

The riot, only three years after similar violence killed 74 people, began ahead of a match between Egyptian Premier League clubs Zamalek and ENPPI at Air Defence Stadium east of Cairo.

Such attacks in the past have sparked days of protests pitting the country’s hardcore fans against police officers in a nation already on edge after years of revolt and turmoil.

Two security officials said at least 25 people were killed.

The violence comes as police face increasing scrutiny following the shooting death of a female protester in Cairo and the arrest of protesters under a law heavily restricting demonstrations.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has pledged to bring stability to Egypt amid bombings and attacks by Islamic militants, but also has said Egypt’s emergency situation meant that some violations of human rights were inevitable, if regrettable.