In the fleeting , free moments in post-revolution Egypt , the ultras were revered as protectors of the revolution , argues James Montague . As the authorities slowly reasserted their power , the narrative changed , he says . The Egyptian government has been accused by human rights groups and international observers of using excessive force against protesters during last year's uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak. Egypt 's interior ministry also blamed the fans , saying in a statement : `` They climbed the fence . Montague writes .
In the fleeting , free moments in post-revolution Egypt , the ultras were revered as protectors of the revolution , argues James Montague . As the authorities slowly reasserted their power , the narrative changed , he says . The Egyptian government has been accused by human rights groups and international observers of using excessive force against protesters during last year's uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak. Montague writes .