Egypt sentences 11 men to death over football riot

An Egyptian court has sentenced eleven men to death for their involvement in a 2012 football riot in the city of Port Said in which seventy-three people died and at least one thousand were injured.

The Presiding judge Mohamed al-Saeed Mohamed however said, the decision still requires the approval of Egypt's most senior religious authority, the Grand Mufti. 

Also the convicts can also appeal a process that may take several years. In Egypt, the Grand Mufti's decision is not binding, but referral is needed in order to impose the death sentence.

In the incident, fans of the winning al-Masry team invaded the pitch seconds after the Port Said match with al-Ahly, Egypt's top football team. A later court hearing will be held on May 30.

ALJAZEERA