Tensions ignited on the night of a highly anticipated football match between Egyptian clubs Al Masry and Al Ahly in Port Said. Following the match, which saw Al Masry securing a 3-1 victory, a confrontation erupted between fans of the two teams. What began as post-match celebrations for some quickly escalated into violence as Al Ahly supporters were attacked by Al Masry fans. The skirmishes spread rapidly, both within the stadium and in surrounding streets. As smoke from flares filled the air, panic ensued, leading to a chaotic evacuation process that left many trapped and injured in the stadium's stands.

Authorities struggled to control the situation as the number of casualties mounted. Emergency services responded, but the scale of the violence and the responses from the fans complicated efforts to provide aid. As the clashes continued for hours, it became evident that the security measures in place were inadequate to handle potential violence following a heated match. Official reports counted 74 dead and over 500 injured, marking one of the worst incidents in the history of Egyptian football. In the aftermath, public outcry directed attention towards issues of security at sporting events and the role of fan culture in exacerbating violence.