Two Zamalek supporters who displayed a banner featuring coach Moataz Gamal during the Egyptian Premier League match against Ghazl El Mahalla have apologised to the manager and explained that the message was intended to show their support rather than mock him.
The banner, which appeared in the stands, showed Gamal wearing a galabiya and holding a rosary alongside the words “Walking with the light of God”. Its appearance caused a reaction among Zamalek supporters, with some interpreting the image and message as criticism or ridicule of the coach.
The fans behind the banner have now explained what they intended to communicate.
One of the supporters said in a television interview that the banner was meant to portray the difficult circumstances surrounding Gamal and the challenges he faces while managing the team.
“Captain Moataz Gamal is a great and outstanding coach, and our purpose with the banner is to describe his feelings, as if he is saying, ‘I don’t have players who are performing well, nor are the dues being paid on time, nor are there any new deals, nor anything.’”
The supporter said the message was intended to show that Gamal was relying on his faith while dealing with the problems surrounding the squad.
“We wanted to explain to the people the feeling of our team’s coach, which is to ask for success from God, and God has blessed him, and the biggest proof is the last Mahalla match in the league.”
Zamalek’s performance against Ghazl El Mahalla also influenced the fans’ interpretation of the banner. According to the supporter, the team’s result suggested to them that the message had been understood differently from what they intended.
“We saw that, and God honored Captain Mo’tamed, as if what happened was a response.”
The fan then issued a direct apology to Gamal, making clear that the supporters did not intend to attack or undermine the Zamalek coach.
“We offer our apology to Captain Moataz Gamal. He is a great person and a very respectable figure, and we apologize to him if a misunderstanding occurred.”
He also stressed that the supporters remain behind the coaching staff and believe Zamalek can compete for major honours.
“We are with the technical director and we support him, and God willing we will win the league and the African title. We have one last request, which is to contact Captain Moatamed personally and apologize to him for the misunderstanding.”
The supporter ended by reaffirming the confidence of Zamalek fans in the club’s ability to compete regardless of the competition.
“We will win championships, and as long as Zamalek exists and its fans exist, we will compete in any championship we participate in.”
The explanation has clarified the intention behind the banner, with the supporters insisting that the display was designed to express their understanding of Gamal’s circumstances and their continued backing of the coach.
