Al-Ahly's El-Shenawy handed four-match ban for referee altercation
Al-Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy has been suspended for four domestic matches and fined 50,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately €800) for making physical contact with a referee. The Egyptian Football Association confirmed the sanctions following an incident at the conclusion of Al-Ahly's 1-1 Egyptian Premier League draw with Ceramica Cleopatra FC on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old veteran confronted the match official after the final whistle, allegedly aggrieved by a late penalty appeal for a handball that was not given. Video footage circulated on social media appears to show El-Shenawy attempting to grab the back of the referee's neck, an action that required intervention from security personnel to separate the player from the official.
This suspension comes at a critical juncture in the Egyptian league season. El-Shenawy will miss matches against seven of the league's top teams, a significant blow for Al-Ahly as they navigate the final stages of the title race. The club has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident or the sanctions imposed on their captain and first-choice goalkeeper.
El-Shenawy is a stalwart for both club and country, having spent the majority of his career with Al-Ahly and earning over 50 caps for the Egyptian national team. He has been a key figure in Al-Ahly's domestic and continental dominance in recent years, known for his leadership and shot-stopping abilities. This disciplinary lapse, however, casts a shadow over his otherwise exemplary career and presents an immediate challenge for his club.
Despite the serious nature of the infraction, it is widely expected that his position as Egypt's starting goalkeeper will remain secure. National team manager Hossam Hassan is likely to rely on his experience ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers, viewing the incident as an isolated loss of composure rather than a pattern of behavior. The Egyptian FA's disciplinary committee moved swiftly to deliver its verdict, underscoring a low tolerance for physical conduct towards match officials.
For Al-Ahly, the immediate concern is navigating a difficult fixture list without their defensive leader. Backup goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir is poised to step in during El-Shenawy's absence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the stringent protocols protecting referees, even in the emotionally charged moments following a contentious match. The ban will keep El-Shenawy out of league action until early May, with his return dependent on the progression of the fixture calendar.
