The 2012 Port Said Tragedy: A Dark Day in Football History

February 1, 2012. What was supposed to be a regular league match between Al Ahly and Al-Masry turned into one of the deadliest football disasters in modern history.

After Al Ahly lost 3–1, chaos broke out. Thousands of Al-Masry fans stormed the pitch and violently attacked Al Ahly supporters. In the aftermath, 74 people — mostly young Ahly fans — were killed, and over 500 were injured. Survivors and witnesses say security forces failed to act, and in some cases, may have even stood by or refused to open stadium gates, trapping fans inside. What followed was not just grief, but nationwide outrage, protests, and a two-year suspension of the Egyptian Premier League.

For Al Ahly, it wasn’t just about losing fans. It was a loss of brothers, friends, and members of the deeply committed Ultras Ahlawy — fans who had stood by the team through everything. The riot became a turning point. Ultras Ahlawy transformed from a fan group into a political voice, joining protests and demanding justice for the lives lost.

The Port Said tragedy exposed deep flaws in Egypt’s football security and raised painful questions about power, policing, and accountability. Yet in the face of this horror, Al Ahly stood tall. The club honored the memory of the victims and carried their legacy forward. Every victory since has been for them.

To this day, the chant “74 martyrs” echoes in the stands, reminding the world that football is more than a game — it’s about community, sacrifice, and solidarity.

Sources: “Port Said Stadium riot.” Wikipedia. Last modified February 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Said_Stadium_riot

“Ultras Ahlawy.” Wikipedia. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultras_Ahlawy

“Egypt Uprising of 2011.” Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Egypt-Uprising-of-2011