In the fleeting , free moments in post - revolution Egypt , the ultras were seen as protectors of the revolution , argues James Murray . As the police slowly reasserted their authority , the narrative changed , he says . It was the kind of casual brutality by the police towards the supporters that I 'd experienced before the revolution . The deadly riot is ` ` far from the hope and joy I had been lucky to experience in Tahrir Square in 2011 '' he says .
In the fleeting , free moments in post - revolution Egypt , the ultras were seen as protectors of the revolution , argues James Murray . As the police slowly reasserted their authority , the narrative changed , he says . The deadly riot is ` ` far from the hope and joy I had been lucky to experience in Tahrir Square in 2011 '' he says .