Ahly demand CAF honour Port Said martyrs in Champions League Final

Ahram Online, Sunday 4 Nov 2012

Although CAF refused, Ahly make last appeal to be allowed to honour the fans killed in Port Said stadium during the African Champions League final

Ahly demand CAF honour Port Said martyrs in Champions League Final
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The Egyptian club, Ahly, sends an official petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) demanding that during their home game Sunday in the CAF Champions League final they be allowed to honour fellow fans that died in the Port Said stadium.

Ahly had planned to show photos of the 72 fans that died on 1 February in Port Said stadium, after Masry (opposition) fans allegedly attacked fans during a match.

However, Ahly received CAF's rejection letter Saturday - one day before the Esperance face-off. The Reds decry the short notice.

"Immortalising the martyrs in an event like the CAF final is logical and it’s the club’s right, especially since it has no political relationships," Ahly stated in their letter to the CAF sent Sunday and published on their official website.

"We also want to remind you that we received consolations from your side after the Port Said tragedy," Ahly added to further impress on CAF that their request is legitimate.

Hours before the match, Ahly’s hardcore fans, Ultras Ahlawy and Ultras Devils hung three banners for the Port Said causalities that read: "74 in heaven," "Take Africa's Cup for the Martyrs" and "Curva for the Martyrs."

All football competitions were frozen after the Port Said tragedy and when they resumed, fans were not allowed to attend matches. Sunday's final CAF match is the first time since that fans have been allowed in the stadium. Nine senior police officers and three Masry officials are among the 73 people facing charges, including murder.

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