Dying over a cause - and the cause is football?

Rioting at Port Said soccer match

On February 1, 2012, 79 people died in Port Said, Egypt at a football match.  Football is actually "soccer" in most countries outside of North America. 

This takes the cake.  Dying for a cause is one thing.  Dying over soccer, is another. 

Egypt has been in turmoil for a year with the ousting of Hosni Mubarak, their dictator. He is undergoing trial as we speak.  

Their economy is faltering and their government is "iffy".  And yet...the people there go to a soccer match and kill each other, in the midst of all of the other turmoil in their country.  

At least 1,000 were hurt, as fans - reportedly armed with knives - invaded the pitch after a match between top-tier clubs al-Masry and al-Ahly.  Officials fear the death toll could rise further.  The lack of the usual level of security in the stadium might have contributed to the clashes. Police in Egypt have been keeping a much lower profile since last year's popular protests that ousted President Hosni Mubarak from power.

Father, help us to get into the
modern era.  Give us peace.

So...79 souls have gone to God before their time.... over a sports game. 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us.  Pray that the human beings get their act together. Pray for an end to the violence and the nonsense. Amen. 

God the Father, take us out of the cave man era.  We need a change, Father.  Amen.