Ultras Ahlawy members sit-in over police arrests
Mohamad Mosselhi, Friday 9 Sep 2011
Thousands Ultras Ahlawy members protest in front of the High Court after 15 of their mates were jailed pending investigations into Tuesday’s clashes


Members of Ultras Ahlawy, a group of Ahly's hardcore supporters, said on Thursday they would stage an open-ended sit-in front of the High Court after 15 of their colleagues were jailed pending investigations into Tuesday’s clashes.

The decision to remand the 15 members in custody for four days has infuriated the die-hard fans, who said they were determined to help free their mates.

“We are in an open-ended sit-in until the release of the group members,” Ultras Ahlawy said on their Facebook page.

The 15 fans were arrested in the wake of clashes between them and police following Tuesday’s Egypt Cup game between Ahly and second-divison side Kima Aswan.

Ultras Ahlawy denied rioting during the match, saying they only hurled insults against former interior minister Habib El-Adly and ousted president Hosni Mubarak, who are both being tried on charges of killing peacful protestors during the January Revolution.

The public prosecution has accused the detained Ultras Ahlawy members of rioting and damaging public property.

Ahly, who held an emergency board of directors meeting on Thursday, criticized the behavior of their own fans in a statement published on their official website.

“The board fully appreciates the efforts of Ahly’s fans, who played a key role in helping the team win many trophies,” the Red Devils said.

“The club also respects the atmosphere of freedom the country is enjoying at the moment. However, that does not mean justifying the unlawful acts and the destruction of public property, acts which affect the interests of citizens.

“The club also calls on police to impose a self-restraint and let law prevail.”

Ultras Ahlawy and Zamalek’s White Knights announced they will together congregate in Tahrir Square to take part in a planned million-man march on Friday.

Ismaily’s Yellow Dragons, who have a frosty relationship with their Ahly counterparts, also said they would participate in the protests.

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/20698.aspx