Gunfire scatters mourners at Egypt’s Port Said funerals

CAIRO, Jan 27, 2013 (AFP)

Shots were fired on Sunday in the Egyptian canal city of Port Said at the funeral of people killed in clashes triggered by death sentences on supporters of a local football team, witnesses told AFP.

Thousands participated in the funeral procession after noon prayers when loud gunfire sent mourners running in several directions amid chaotic scenes.

On Saturday, 31 people were killed in Port Said in clashes with police after a court in Cairo handed down death sentences on 21 supporters of Al-Masry football club.

There was no police presence securing Sunday’s funeral in the canal city, where shops and businesses remained closed for a second day, state television reported.