Egyptian Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy Handed Ban for Referee Assault
Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy has been suspended for four matches and fined after striking a referee on the head in the aftermath of a contentious penalty call. The incident occurred during Tuesday's 1-1 draw between Al-Ahly and Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Pro League.
Details of the Incident and Penalty
The Egypt international, who was on the bench for the match, became incensed when Al-Ahly's appeal for a penalty was denied in stoppage time. The appeal followed a handball incident that the team believed warranted a spot-kick. In response, El-Shenawy assaulted the referee, leading to swift disciplinary action from the league.
The Egyptian Pro League issued a statement confirming the sanctions: "He handed a four-match ban and fined 50,000 Egyptian pounds (£700) for assaulting the referee by pushing or pulling (use of the hand without violence)." This punishment underscores the league's zero-tolerance policy towards violence against match officials.
Impact on El-Shenawy and Al-Ahly
The ban means El-Shenawy will be sidelined until the final week of the league play-offs, a significant blow for both the player and his club. At 37 years old, he is expected to be Egypt's starting goalkeeper at the upcoming summer World Cup, making this suspension a critical setback in his preparations.
Al-Ahly, the most successful Egyptian team with 45 league titles, currently sits third in the standings with 41 points, trailing leaders Zamalek by five points. El-Shenawy has been a cornerstone of the club, making 350 appearances over his career and recently featuring in the revamped Club World Cup, where he competed against teams like Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Porto, and Palmeiras.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about player conduct and referee safety in football, with the league taking firm action to maintain integrity in the sport.
