CAIRO: Ten people have had their death sentences confirmed over the violence which led to the deaths of more than 70 people at the notorious match between al-Masry and Al Ahly in Port Said in February 2012.

Most of the dead were visiting Al Ahly fans trying to escape an ambush by local hooligans, acting with the acquiesence of local security forces. Others were stabbed or were thrown from terraces, witnesses said at the time.

Among those who received a five-year sentence was the former Port Said police chief.

The High Court upheld not only the death senetcnes from a lower court but the sentencing of 10 men to 15 years in jail, 14 men to 10 years, and 15 men to five years. The charges included murder and attempted murder. No further appeals are possible.

The Port Said trouble was linked to the political unrest that has beset the country since the overthrow of former leader Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

Supporters, particularly those of the Cairo-based Al Ahly, were heavily involved in the initial street protests at Tahir Square that were regarded as the catalyst for the removal of President Mubarak.

League matches since 2012 have largely been played behind closed doors.

In February 2015, at least 22 people were killed outside an stadium when security forces barred fans from entering.

WORLD SOCCER

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