EU seeks independent probe into Egypt football violence

(BRUSSELS) - The EU called Thursday for an external probe to be conducted into an eruption of violence in Egypt that claimed 74 lives at a football match and sparked new anger against the country's military rulers.

"I hope an immediate and independent investigation will shed light on the causes of this tragic event," said European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton in a statement.

As Egypt began three days of mourning, the leadership of Egypt's Football Association was sacked and the governor of the northern city of Port Said, where the match was staged, resigned. Rioting in one of the deadliest incidents in football history sent shares tumbling on the Cairo stock exchange.

"I have conveyed to the Egyptian authorities my deepest condolences to the people of Egypt for the tragic loss of so many lives," Ashton added.