Egyptian authorities have declared three days of mourning for the at least 74 people killed when a riot broke out at the end of a football match on Wednesday in the Egyptian city of Port Said.

Authorities said some of those killed were stabbed but apparently most of the victims were crushed in the stampede as people rushed to leave the stadium after the violence started.

More than 1,000 people were injured in the confusion.

The violence flared seconds after al-Masri, a team based in Port Said, won a rare 3-1 victory against the Cairo-based team al-Ahli, one of Egypt’s most successful clubs.

Live television footage showed fans running onto the field and chasing al-Ahli players and supporters.

Outside the stadium people frantically sought relatives and friends who were at the match with them. Islam Fathi was among them. “I do not know what to say, my nephew is there and I have no access to him, I can not put my feelings into words,” Fathi said.

Others like Ahmed Ibrahim blamed local law enforcement and stadium security for allowing the situation to get out of control so quickly. “Where is the security? Where are the police? Where is the military council? Where are the armed forces?” Ibrahim asked.

Interior Minister Muhamed Ibrahim said 47 people had been arrested already and the search for suspects continued.

Meanwhile in Cairo, angry fans set parts of the city stadium on fire after officials cancelled a match there following reports of the Port Said riots. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control. No injuries were reported and there was only minimal damage to the stadium.

State television said Egypt’s football federation has indefinitely delayed premier league matches.

compiled from agency reports

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