Police charge 19 Ultras Ahlawy members with blocking roads

MENA, Ahram Online, Tuesday 15 Oct 2013

Total arrests now 44 since Ahly clashes with the police at Cairo Airport Sunday night

Al-Ahly fans, also known as "Ultras"
Al-Ahly fans, also known as "Ultras", shout slogans against the Interior Ministry in front the of the Al-Ahly club after hearing the final verdict of the 2012 Port Said massacre in Cairo March 9, 2013. (Photo: Reuters)

Cairo security forces arrested 19 members of the die-hard football fan group Ultras Ahlawy Monday night on charges of blocking the roads and attacking civilians and police, State News Agency MENA reported.

Tens of Ultras members stopped traffic Monday on Cairo's Galaa Bridge to demand the release of 25 of their members arrested Sunday at Cairo Airport.

Eleven Egyptian police personnel and two workers at Cairo airport were injured Sunday, following an attempt by a group of Ahly fans to storm an airport terminal after being prevented from entry, according to airport security.

The Ultras fans headed to the airport to cheer the Ahly club's handball team, who were returning from Tunisia after losing the African Cup final.

The official said that some of the injured had sustained birdshot wounds.

Security forces at the airport dispersed the crowd with teargas and chased the Ultras from the vicinity to the outskirts of the eastern Cairo district of Madinet Nasr.

Ultras groups have often clashed with police during demonstrations and football matches, with many members arrested, injured and several deaths over the last few years.

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