Death sentences for rioters

CAIRO (AP)

MORE PORT SAID TRAGEDY

• 27 dead in riot after verdict
• Sentences handed down
• Two protesters killed by police
• Soccer deaths spark new unrest
• Coach, players reconsider futures
• Assistant escapes fan violence
• Players retire after tragedy
• Sepp Blatter asks for answers
• Bob Bradley offers his support

An Egyptian court has handed down death sentences for 21 people accused of taking part in soccer violence last year that killed 74.

In the courtroom, families of the deceased wailed in disbelief and raised their hands in the air shouting ''Allahu Akbar,'' Arabic for God is great.

The judge said in his statement read live on state TV that he would announce the verdict for the remaining 52 defendants on March 9.

Among those on trial are nine security officials. The soccer melee on Feb. 1, 2012 between Port Said's Al-Masry fans and Cairo's Al-Ahly fans was the world's deadliest soccer violence in 15 years.

As is customary in Egypt, the death sentences will be sent to a top religious authority, the Grand Mufti, for approval.