Egypt clashes claim 73 lives

Rival fans flooded onto the pitch, hurling stones and sticks at each other and sparking a stampede.

One thousand other people were injured, the Health Ministry said.

A medical official said some of the dead were security officers.

Egypt's state prosecutor has ordered an immediate investigation into the causes of the deaths.

Witnesses say most appeared to have occurred in a stampede after fans of the home team, Al-Masry, stormed on to the field after a rare 3-1 win against Al-Ahly, Egypt's top team.

They then chased players and fans from Al-Ahly.

The clashes happened in the Mediterranean port city of Port Said.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter issued a statement to express his sympathy for the families of the victims.

"I am very shocked and saddened to learn this evening that a large number of football supporters have died or been injured following a match in Port Said, Egypt," the statement read.

"My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives this evening.

"This is a black day for football. Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen."