Ahly dedicate cup trophy to victims of Port Said Stadium disaster
Mahmoud Elassal, Monday 10 Sep 2012
Manager Hossam El-Badry says Ahly's administration will dedicate Egypt Super Cup trophy to victims of February's Port Said Stadium disaster


After the triumphant win over ENPPII 2-1 on Sunday in the Egypt Super Cup, Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry announces that the management will dedicate the trophy to the fans killed in Egypt's Port Said stadium in February.

"We won't forget the martyrs of Port Said Stadium massacre and we won't give up supporting their families," El-Badry was quoted as saying on the club's official website after the game, adding: "We dedicate the trophy to the martyrs."

Ahly defeated 10-man ENPPI on Sunday to win the Egyptian Super Cup.

The match itself stirred controversy among fans, who argue that football activity should not resume until the perpetrators of the attack on the fans in the Port Said stadium be brought to justice.

Egypt’s worst football disaster, which occurred on 1 February, left 74 fans dead when, allegedly, thousands of spectators from the Masry stands stormed the pitch at the Port Said stadium to attack Ahly supporters following the end of a league game.

"Football is a source of income for many people in Egypt, so I ask the martyrs' families to be patient, as we will stand behind them and never forget them," he added.

ENPPI coach Tarek El-Ashry admitted that Ahly deserve the trophy since they were the best and more prepared than the public petrol company's side because of their participation in the CAF Champions League.

"I congratulate Ahly for the Super Cup win; I hope the game will be a good return to sport activity in Egypt," El-Ashry said at the post-game press conference.

A stoppage-time goal by Ahly striker Mohamed Nagy "Gedo" gave Ahly a 2-1 Super Cup win over 10-man ENPPI in a controversial but trouble-free affair in Alexandria on Sunday.

"Gedo saved ENPPI players from going into extra time, since we played with only ten players," ENPPI's tactician concluded.

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