Morsi‘s supporters, mainly his powerful Muslim Brotherhood movement, had called their rally to denounce this week‘s acquittals of Hosni Mubarak-era officials.

His opponents, a coalition of liberal and secular leaning groups, had previously called their own rally to denounce Islamist control over a body drafting the new constitution, and Morsi‘s performance in office.

„Down with the Supreme Guide‘s rule,“ Morsi‘s opponents chanted, referring to Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie.