Security will confront violations by football fans attending Thursday's game between Ahly and Zamalek at Cairo Stadium, Minister of Interior Habib al-Adly reportedly warned.
In his statements relayed by Farouq Lashin, head of Cairo's police investigations department, on Wednesday al-Adly urged supporters of both teams to respect security instructions and to avoid abuses against each other. He also asked players on both teams not to behave in any way that might provoke fans.
He advised supporters who had failed to obtain tickets for the game not to attend, noting that no ticket outlets are available at the stadium.
Lashin mentioned a list of objects banned from entering the grandstands. Those include fireworks, cola cans, and water bottles. Only paperboard and plastic bottles will be permitted, he said.
Security forces are fully prepared to secure the game, and they will be present at the stadium at 10AM, according to Lashin, who added that surveillance cameras have been installed at grandstands and gates. The stadium will remain open from 11AM till 4PM.
Lashin revealed that investigation officers apprehended around 30 rioters over the past two days. They also confiscated more than 1.5 million fireworks as well as a large amount of tickets intended for black market sale.
Ahly and Zamalek are the most popular soccer teams in Egypt and among the most famous in Africa. Zamalek currently leads the chart with 30 points in the division, while its rival lags behind by six points.
The encounters bringing both teams together are usually preceded by enthusiastic exchanges among supporters through internet and media outlets.
On 25 December, a Cairo court sentenced 19 Zamalek football club fans to a year in prison, and referred 12 others to a juvenile court for rioting at the Ahly club and firing flares following a handball match between the two rivals.
