Zamalek protest after minute’s silence for former striker Nasser Ibrahim is omitted

Zamalek have complained after a minute’s silence was not held for former striker Nasser Ibrahim before their Egypt Capital Cup match against ZED.

The club were surprised shortly before kick-off at Arab Contractors Stadium when the ground announcer called for a minute’s silence in memory of the father of ZED goalkeeping coach Mustafa Kamal.

Zamalek were playing ZED in the opening round of the Egypt Capital Cup. The club had obtained permission from the Egyptian Professional Clubs Association for a tribute to Ibrahim before the match.

Zamalek football director Abdel Nasser Mohamed raised the matter with the match observer, objecting to what the club considered the omission of one of its historic players.

Ibrahim died on Wednesday morning at the age of 67 after suffering a sudden health problem.

Zamalek’s football departments, under the leadership of Hazem Emam, also announced that all activities across the club’s football sections would be suspended for three days. The decision covers the youth, junior and academy sections, the preparatory section and the women’s football department.

In a statement, Zamalek said: “Zamalek Club and its board of directors, headed by Hussein Labib, mourn with deep sadness Nasser Ibrahim, the former star of the White Castle, who died this Wednesday morning.”

The statement added: “The board of directors of Zamalek, together with all the club’s sports teams and technical staff, extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, asking Almighty God to grant him abundant mercy, admit him to His spacious gardens and give his family and relatives patience and solace.”

Ibrahim spent 11 years with Zamalek between 1977 and 1988.

He won the African Champions League with the club in 1984 and 1986, and was one of the most influential players in Zamalek’s first African title triumph.