Referee decisions trigger heated protests in Al Ahly vs Ceramica clash

Referee calls stole the spotlight at Cairo Stadium on Friday as Al Ahly and Ceramica Cleopatra battled in a fiery Egyptian Premier League encounter filled with protests and heated debates.

Both sets of players and coaches were left frustrated by Mahmoud Wafa’s decisions, which shaped the rhythm of the seventh-round match.

The tension started early when Al Ahly waved for a penalty after Taher Mohamed Taher went down inside the box following contact with Justice Arthur, but play was waved on. In the 37th minute, drama resurfaced as Achraf Bencharki’s fierce strike struck a Ceramica defender’s hand, sparking calls for a penalty. Almost immediately, Ceramica demanded their own spot-kick after Islam Issa was tackled by Yasser Ibrahim, drawing loud protests from coach Ali Maher.

The second half offered no relief. Al Ahly claimed another penalty when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane fell inside the area in the 49th minute. Just minutes later, Trezeguet argued the ball had crossed the line before goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam cleared it.

Despite the chaos, Al Ahly’s 24th-minute strike from Trezeguet proved decisive, sealing the narrow win.