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Extreme violence erupted in Egypt Wednesday (February 1) following a soccer game leaving at least 73 people dead and possibly as many as 1000 injured according to CBC.
CNN is reporting that Egypt's health minister has confirmed a conservative estimate of at least 200 injured.
The fights broke out after a match in Port Said between the Al-Ahly team and Port Said's Al-Masry team.
"It's kind of a security vacuum in the football stadium. ... It's not unheard of to have organized violence between football clubs, but something on this scale has never been seen before," said James Montague, who researched soccer in the Middle East for his book "When Friday Comes: Football in the War Zone."
Witnesses say most of the injuries occurred during a stampede after fans of the home team, Al-Masry, stormed on to the field following a rare 3-1 win against Al-Ahly, Egypt's top team. They then chased players and fans from the rival team.
Another match in Cairo was halted due to the violence in Port Said. Upset fans are said to have set fire to parts of the stadium there causing more injuries.
This story is still developing.
CNN news coverage
Footage of violence in Port Said
Pics from The National Post
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