Egypt Tries 75 Over Deadly Soccer Riots

The trial of 75 people connected with the deadly soccer riots in Egypt has been briefly suspended after defendants erupted in protest to proclaim their innocence.

The judge walked out of the courtroom after a number of defendants jumped on benches in the court cage and waved their fists in anger.

The 75 defendants, among them nine senior police officers, face charges relating to a riot in February in the city of Port Said.

More than 70 people were killed as fans of a Port Said team and a Cairo team invaded the pitch at the end of a match, throwing rocks, bottles, and fireworks.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Cairo court on April 17 to demand justice for the victims.

The rioting at the Port Said stadium was one of the deadliest incidents in soccer history.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP