Egyptian Court Bans Popular Hardcore ‘Ultra’ Soccer Fan Clubs

Middle East North Africa Financial Network (MENAFN)

17 May 2015

(MENAFN – Arab News) CAIRO: An Egyptian court on Saturday banned the country’s hardcore soccer fan clubs known as ‘ultras’ over terrorism accusations.

The ultras took part in protests during and after the 2011 uprising and frequently clash with police in and around stadiums. The ruling by the Court of Urgent Matters in Cairo appeared to be the latest effort by the judiciary to prevent demonstrations.

During the 2011 uprising that forced out President Hosni Mubarak ultras often provided muscle directed demonstrators and led chants. They are considered one of the most organized movements in Egypt after the Muslim Brotherhood.

‘They see themselves as a buffer a channel that offers frustrated despairing hopeless youth a chance to vent pent-up anger frustration and protest peacefully rather than leaving them with the option of either apathy or violence’ said James M. Dorsey a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies who closely follows the ultras.

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