The riots that killed 74 people in Egypt were sickeningly familiar for soccer: a rush to the field by fans, fighting, a deadly stampede -- scenes replayed over and over at stadiums around the world. This time, however, there were important differences. Most important, context. Soccer in the Arab world has long been tied to politics.

The riots that killed 74 people in Egypt were sickeningly familiar for football: fans storming the pitch, fighting and being stampeded to death are scenes that have replayed over and over at stadiums around the world. This time, however, there also were some important differences from previous disasters.

At least 74 people were killed and 248 injured after soccer fans rushed the field in the seaside city of Port Said Wednesday following an upset victory by the home team over Egypt's top club, setting off clashes and a stampede as riot police largely failed to intervene. It was a bloody reminder of the security vacuum that faces the Arab world's most populous country as instability...

Soccer fans rushed the field after the home team won an unexpected victory over Egypt's top club Wednesday, setting off clashes and a stampede that left at least 73 people dead and 1,000 injured in a Mediterranean port city, officials said. It was the worst incident of soccer violence in Egypt and the deadliest worldwide since 1996.

Soccer fans rushed the field after the home team won an unexpected victory over Egypt's top squad Wednesday, setting off clashes and a stampede that left at least 73 people dead and 1,000 injured in a Mediterranean port city, officials said. It was the worst incident of soccer violence in Egypt and the deadliest worldwide since 1996.

The head of English football has launched a rare defense of a referee over criticism of his conduct. Referee Howard Webb missed Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli appearing to stamp on Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker during Sunday's Premier League match. Webb told The Football Association that had he seen the incident Balotelli would have been dismissed.