Egypt recalls Algiers envoy after soccer loss

Egypt’s state-run EGYNews Web site said Cairo was recalling its ambassador for consultations over violence against Egyptians after Wednesday’s match that Egypt has blamed on Algerian fans. About 2,000 protestors, some burning Algerian flags, gathered near Algeria’s embassy in Cairo late on Thursday to protest what they said was attacks on their compatriots and called for the Algerian envoy to leave, witnesses said.

A Reuters witness said two police vans were damaged, one had been overturned with windows smashed. Witnesses said at least three other cars were overturned and protesters scuffled with police using teargas to stop them reaching the embassy. Such protests are rare in Egypt where demonstrations are usually small and swiftly contained by police.