Death sentences for Egypt football riot

An Egyptian court has confirmed death sentences handed down against 21 people for their role in a deadly 2012 football riot that killed more than 70 people in the city of Port Said.

The court today also sentenced city’s the former security chief, Major General Essam Samak, to 15 years in prison.

The 21 death sentences were passed on January 28.

Most of those condemned to death are fans of Port Said’s Al-Masry club.

The February 2012 riot, Egypt’s worst football disaster, followed a league game between Al-Masry and Cairo’s Al-Ahly, with Port Said supporters setting upon the visiting fans after the final whistle.