For years, Port Said’s main club, Al-Masry, have been facing hatred by other sports clubs.
Such feelings have negative impact on the history of both the 100-yers old Al-Masry club as well as Port Said governorate.
The cause could probably be the club’s fans, who prompted the government to hold up its decision to ban fans from attending football games at stadium, a frustrating step to many top fans who have been loyal to their club since their childhood.
Port Said team was keen to observe what they say.
Former Al-Masry board member Mohamed al-Dowainy says: “I am always keen on supporting Al-Masry club which enjoys a significant presence in the life of Port Said residents. I’ve backed the club when I was a board member and even after leaving my post. I just want to forget all about the previous incidents.”
“Al-Masry Ultras are my younger brothers who represent the future fans. However, their impulsiveness caused anger among other fans.”
Al-Rayes Khamis, Al-Masry’s biggest fan, who works as a skipper  in the Canal Company for Mooring and Lights says: “The ultras are the audience of Al-Masry who are well-known for their spirit. I don’t want to talk about the Port Said incidents because we were not involved in that.
I believe the ban on audience attendance should be lifted. Matches without audience are like tasteless food. I am one of few people who used to follow the team wherever it went to attend its matches. I used to spare all my annual leaves to attend Al-Masry’s matches. That’s why my grief over the absence of fans is beyond imagination.”
Mohammed Abdel Aal, an electrician, says: “I am over 50. I am a fan of Al-Masry since I was a kid. My father and grandfather brought me up loving my club and belonging to it. I used to travel wherever my club sets foot. Unfortunately, fanaticism has been there in all teams since we were young.
It was even more than what we see now, but the authorities used to control that. After the January Revolution, it was very easy to conspire against a governorate whose residents are well-known for their profound loyalty to their football team. No one can say that what happened was fanaticism by the Ultras. Fanaticism was always there, a long time ago.”
“The acts of violence and chaos committed by some young fans harm the history of the established Al-Masry club. Unfortunately, nobody taught them what’s right and what’s wrong. I believe many top fans and board members agree with me,” Al-Araby Saad, a morning shifter on a ferryboat says.