Twenty-five Ultras Ahlawy arrested during clashes in Cairo International Airport Sunday night have been detained on charges of attempted murder and vandalism, Al-Ahram reported Monday.
A security source told the state-owned newspaper that the suspects were arrested in possession of pellets, fireworks, sticks and belts, while 14 policemen were injured in the incident.
The Ministry of Interior released a statement saying that the violence started when handball fans who had gone to greet their team, which was returning from Morocco, lit fireworks inside the airport and attempted to force their way through it.
The Ahly club lost to Tunisian handball team Esperance 31-24 in the African Handball Champions League final in Morocco on Saturday, winning the tournament’s silver medal, Al-Ahram reported.
The ultras issued a statement on Monday denying any wrongdoing on their side. They stated that the ultras were waiting for the players outside the airport and that the police launched an unprovoked attack on them using live bullets, birdshot, and tear gas.
The group said that the 150 members who were initially arrested were severely assaulted before 125 of them were released.
According to the security source, birdshot and tear gas was used inside the airport after the clashes escalated. Security forces chased the group through nearby streets while making 150 arrests.
The Ultras Ahlawy are more commonly known for cheering for their football team, but they also support other sports associated with the club. Ultras gatherings often end up in clashes with security forces.
The group announced that it would assemble at 5 pm today in front of the military school in Sheraton to protest the arrests.
State news agency MENA reported a heavy security presence at the airport on Monday, in anticipation that some members of the group would return. The airport authorities said that the clashes did not affect air traffic or cause any damage in the airport.
Esperance won their first title in the African Handball Champions League history on Saturday, Al-Ahram said. Ahly have won four times: in 1985, 1993, 1994 and 2012.
In handball teams of seven players try to throw the ball into the goal of the other team to score the most goals in hour-long matches.
