Zamalek’s die-hard supporters clashed with Egyptian police before a Premier League game at an army-owned stadium on Sunday.
Police used tear gas to disperse members of hardcore fan group Ultras White Knights in front of Cairo’s Air Defence Stadium, a few hours before Zamalek take on ENPPI in a top-of-the-table clash.
Several vehicles were damaged amid the melee, Ahram’s Arabic news website reported.
Update: 5 Dead & 20 injured
“The Zamalek fans tried to get in by force, and we had to prevent them from damaging public property,” the ministry said in a statement.
Ultras White Knights disputed the ministry’s account, saying they were tear-gassed as many fans scrambled to get in, with a “tiny metal fence surrounded by barbed wire being the only gate opened for us.”
Only 10,000 supporters are allowed to attend the match against ENPPI, with 5,000 tickets up for public sale and as many distributed by the club itself.
“You do not understand anything. You are not allowed to get in by force. No one will be allowed to attend the match without tickets,” Zamalek board member Ahmed Mansour, son of controversial chairman Mortada Mansour, said on his Facebook page.
“Football is only for respectable fans. No thugs are allowed here,” he added.
