9.23 AM Friday, 26 April 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:25 05:43 12:19 15:46 18:50 20:09
26 April 2024

Egyptian players give up football after violence

Published
By AP

Egypt internationals and Al-Ahly players Mohamed Aboutrika, Emad Moteab and Mohamed Barakat say they have retired from all football after witnessing the deadly clashes between fans at their league game against Al-Masry on Wednesday.

Aboutrika and Moteab told Al-Ahly TV that they would not play again after the mass violence that left at least 74 people dead at a stadium in the Mediterranean city of Port Said.

Midfielder Barakat didn't rule out returning one day, but told the channel he refused to play until there was ``retribution for the people that died.''

Aboutrika and Barakat started the game against Al-Masry, while Moteab was a substitute.

Al-Ahly's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose has also reportedly asked the Cairo club to cancel his contract and allow him to return to Portugal.