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 .
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 deadly riot is `` far from the hope and optimism I had been lucky to experience in Tahrir Square in 2011 '' Montague writes .