The referee’s report on the 133rd Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek reportedly contains no explanation of the controversial decisions that fuelled the Whites’ complaints following their 2-0 defeat in the Egyptian Premier League.
According to Al-Watan Sport, a source within the Egyptian Football Association said the report submitted by the Slovenian referee focused on the cards shown during the sixth-round encounter at Cairo International Stadium.
The source said the report did not explain the decisions surrounding Zamalek’s two penalty appeals involving Angolan forward Chico Banza, contradicting claims that the referee had outlined his reasons for not awarding the spot-kicks.
The report also reportedly made no reference to an alleged malfunction involving the video assistant referee (VAR) system, despite the technology having operated during the match.
Other incidents not addressed included Imam Ashour’s celebration in front of the Zamalek bench and offensive chants allegedly directed at both clubs during the heated encounter, the source told the Egyptian publication.
Al Ahly secured a 2-0 victory over their Cairo rivals, but the result was overshadowed by Zamalek’s objections to several refereeing decisions.
Mohamed Hany goal also attracted scrutiny
One of the incidents discussed after the match involved Al Ahly’s opening goal, credited to Mohamed Hany, after the ball struck Ashraf Ben Sharqi before entering the net past Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed El Mahdi Suleiman.
The referee allowed the goal to stand, with the decision becoming another point of discussion following the derby.
However, the report’s alleged failure to explain the disputed incidents means it does not provide the detailed account of the decisions that some reports had suggested it contained.
Both clubs could face sanctions
The match observer reportedly documented offensive chants from supporters of both Al Ahly and Zamalek.
That could lead to disciplinary action against the two clubs as part of the Egyptian Premier League’s sixth-round decisions, according to Al-Watan Sport.
Any sanctions would depend on the relevant disciplinary authorities’ assessment and decisions.
The derby’s aftermath has therefore extended beyond the 2-0 result, with attention now turning to the handling of the refereeing complaints and the possibility of disciplinary measures against the clubs.
