Tag: ultras

Egypt, Football

Egypt’s Ultras: ‘We don’t believe in state justice’

Sunday’s tragic events should be seen in the context of a widespread crackdown on dissent in Egypt, analysts say. For Mohamed*, a 23-year-old member of Ultras White Knights (UWK) – a hardcore group of football fans that support Cairo-based Zamalek Sporting Club – Sunday started with a sense of excitement. For the first time in over three years – since the February 2012 Port Said … Continue reading Egypt’s Ultras: ‘We don’t believe in state justice’

Unknown's avatarPatrick KeddieLeave a comment
Egypt, Football

Blood Sport: The Ultras White Knights vs. Mortada Mansour

LATE AT NIGHT, waiting as instructed by the Opera House on the island of Zamalek, my phone rings. “You know the lions by the bridge? Meet us there.” I go to the statues standing sentry at the bridge over the Nile, then another call comes in. “You are by the lions? Good. Come onto the bridge, we’ll pick you up.” I wander onto Qasr al-Nil. … Continue reading Blood Sport: The Ultras White Knights vs. Mortada Mansour

Unknown's avatarPatrick KeddieLeave a comment
Egypt, Football

‘Ultras’ fuel Egypt’s campus protests

Protests continued on university campuses across Egypt following the court verdict that cleared ousted President Hosni Mubarak of charges of killing protesters during the January 25 uprising. The protesters comprise a broad mix of Islamists, liberals, leftists, independents and other non-affiliated students. The scale of protests prompted state-owned news website Al-Ahram to describe it as Egypt witnessing “a university uprising”.  But it was one group of activists … Continue reading ‘Ultras’ fuel Egypt’s campus protests

Unknown's avatarPatrick KeddieLeave a comment