Mohamed Badie, the head of the MB, said the police are responsible for Wednesday's clashes in Port Said and the deaths of 74 football fans; called on ruling military council to bring criminals to justice The Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) Mohamed Badie held Egypt's security forces, both the police and the military, responsible for violence that led to the deaths of 74 football fans Wednesday in Port Said. Badie said in a speech aired by the Brotherhood's satellite channel (Misr25) on Friday: “It has now become evidently clear to everyone that there are individuals who are plotting to burn this homeland and demolish its institutions. They are trained for this. They are known to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) and the police, who are delaying bringing them to justice, which is totally unacceptable.” Badie stated that the perpetrators of Wednesday's tragedy should be held responsible, both politically and criminally. He demanded the investigation of the matter immediately. Badie underlined that Wednesday's violent events highlight the reluctance of the police to perform its role, adding that negligent officials of the interior ministry should be held accountable. He further held the SCAF responsible as well as the governor of Port Said and Al-Masry club's board of directors for not undertaking all the measures necessary to prevent Wednesday's violence. Some 74 football fans, mostly supporters of Al-Ahly club, were killed on Wednesday night after Al-Masry fans stormed the pitch at the end of an Egyptian league game between the teams.The game witnessed tensions from the opening minute and lacklustre security, according to many eyewitnesses. Protesters blame the police for the deaths of the Ahly fans, who have played a key role in the Egyptian revolution since 25 January 2011, increasingly demanding that the ruling military council step down.
