By Andrew Warshaw
April 5 – Leading Egyptian club Zamalek have been fined for allowing fans into their stadium to watch a league game, defying security orders that all matches be played in empty stadiums, a stipulation put in place in order for football to resume following last year’s Port Said disaster.
The Cairo club were handed a 30,000 Egyptian pound ($4,400) fine after a handful of supporters were spotted by television cameras watching last week’s 2-0 win over Ismaili. Rules state that only board members and media can attend.
All club football in Egypt has been ordered to be played behind closed doors since the league restarted in February following the Port Said tragedy when 74 people were killed at a match between Al Masry and visiting Al Ahli, sparking a wave of political unrest. Attempts to get the new campaign under way were repeatedly postponed by until two months ago.
Zamalek insisted the fans were guests from neighbouring Libya, according to Egyptian media. The match was in fact halted temporarily when Ismaili claimed there were home fans in the stands. They argued the game should be called off but the Egyptian FA instead decided on a token fine.
Tensions are still running high in Egyptian football and Ismaili goalkeeping coach Saafan Al-Saghir, who led the protests, was banned for four games following his outburst.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734800299labto1734800299ofdlr1734800299owedi1734800299sni@w1734800299ahsra1734800299w.wer1734800299dna1734800299