Sports Minister El-Amry Farouk attacked during press conference
Egyptian Sports Minister El-Amry Farouk has been forced to cancel a press conference on Thursday after dozens of protesters stormed the venue.
Farouk was supposed to announce new regulations for football clubs, which would remain in force until 2020, and give a presentation on sports development plans, but dozens of protesters, believed to be members of Ultras White Knights, Zamalek’s group of die-hard fans, stormed the Equestrian Hall at Cairo Stadium and attacked the minister and other attendees.
According to Nile Sports TV channel, nobody was hurt and security forces took the minister to safety out of the stadium’s backdoor, but some cameras and equipment were damaged.
“I demand the security forces arrest these thugs and identify them,” Farouk said after the press conference, but refused to point the finger at any club or group.
“Police are still in the Cairo Stadium in confrontation with the thugs who have knives. They predicted I would be attacked and they were able to save me.
“The coming hours will reveal more details about the incident,” Farouk added.
Watch the press conference here:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVgD263nAdY[/youtube]After the conference
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3akrCuRJPbY[/youtube]