Al Ahly have denied reports that head coach Hussein Ammouta was referred for an internal investigation following an incident involving midfielder Ali Mahmoud during their 1-1 draw with Al Mokawloon Al Arab.
The incident occurred after Mahmoud was substituted in the second half, with footage appearing to show an exchange between the young midfielder and Ammouta as he left the pitch.
Reports in the Egyptian media claimed the Moroccan coach reacted after Mahmoud appeared to acknowledge Al Ahly football director Wael Gomaa before walking past Ammouta without shaking his hand.
However, a source within Al Ahly has dismissed suggestions that Ammouta was summoned for a disciplinary investigation over the incident.
Ammouta also played down the exchange after the match, describing it as a normal reaction from a player disappointed by being substituted.
“What happened after the substitution was not a dispute. This is normal,” Ammouta said.
The Moroccan coach explained that Mahmoud was unhappy because he wanted to remain on the pitch, insisting that such a reaction was understandable for a young player.
“Ali Mahmoud is one of the good young players, and it is natural for him to feel anxious and nervous when he comes off,” he added.
Ammouta also acknowledged that the team had been under pressure following a difficult start to the match.
“He wanted to continue playing, and everyone in the team was feeling nervous because the start was not good. Everyone bears responsibility for that,” he said.
Al Ahly dismiss disciplinary reports
An Al Ahly source has also rejected reports that Ammouta faces formal disciplinary action over his interaction with Mahmoud.
The source described the incident as a moment of frustration during the match, while acknowledging that the coach’s reaction may have been stronger than necessary.
Mahmoud’s response was also considered part of the exchange, with the matter expected to remain an internal issue between the coach and player.
There has been no indication that either Ammouta or Mahmoud will face formal disciplinary proceedings.
The source further played down suggestions that the incident could affect Ammouta’s position, stressing that the Moroccan coach should be assessed over a longer period rather than on the basis of a single matchday incident.
The clarification comes as Al Ahly seek to move beyond the draw with Al Mokawloon, with attention now turning to their upcoming fixtures and Ammouta’s broader work with the Egyptian giants.
