Egypt Charges 75 Over Deadly Soccer Violence

Soccer fans flee from violence at Port Said's stadium on February 1.

Egypt's prosecutor-general has charged 75 people with crimes including murder and negligence in connection with the soccer riot in the Mediterranean city of Port Said.

More than 70 people were killed in the February 1 violence, which was the world's worst soccer-related bloodshed in 15 years.

Those charged on March 15 include nine police officers and three officials of the Al-Masry soccer club, which was the host of the match.

The rioting began minutes after the final whistle in a game between the Cairo club Al-Ahly and Al-Masry, as Al-Masry fans invaded the field and attacked Al-Ahly supporters.

Witnesses have said police did little to halt the violence.

A prosecutor statement said the violence was planned in advance, and that the perpetrators armed themselves with knives and explosives.

With AP and AFP reporting