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Blatter: Black day for football

Geneva - FIFA President Sepp Blatter said Wednesday it was a "black day for football" and should not have happened when at least 73 fans were killed in violence after a match in the Egyptian city of Port Said.

"I am very shocked and saddened to learn this evening that a large number of football supporters have died or been injured," said Blatter in a statement.

"This is a black day for football. Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen.

"My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives this evening.

"This is a black day for football. Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen."

A security official said the violence erupted as soon as the referee blew the final whistle. Fans of Al-Masri, who beat Al-Ahly 3-0, invaded the pitch and began to throw rocks, bottles and fireworks at the Al-Ahly fans.

"The death toll, as a result of the unrest after the match between Al-Ahly and Al-Masri, has reached 73," Egypt's deputy health minister Helmy al-Efni said.

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