I'm trying to keep my rage down right now. The news is still fairly new and we don't have all of the facts. But the reality is that at least 73 people are dead following a soccer match in Egypt.
Right. A soccer match.
The so-called beautiful game isn't so beautiful right now.
Now part of what I'm trying to do is to not paint with broad strokes and label everyone as hooligans. Politics likely played a role in this, given the mess that Egypt has been for about a year. But it's not like soccer riots are new either.
Like I said, I don't want to judge, and I want the details to come out. But this is bad.
People tried to just go to a game. Have some fun. And try to not die. Something is very wrong with that picture.
In the States, we've had our own black eyes. Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles and others have rioted after championships (notice I didn't mention New York?). Disc Demolition Night at Comiskey Park in 1979 was a real low-point (along with 10 cent beer night in Cleveland). The Pacers/Pistons brawl that spilled into the stands. "Mad" Mike Milbury beating a Rangers fan with a shoe. Great video here. PS, that's the great Fred Cusick on the Boston TV call.
In Canada there were riots in Montreal and Vanouver (and that was because they LOST).
The point is, we're not immune in North America. Yet soccer still has this bad reputation.
In case you want video of the Egyptian tragedy, have a look:
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