Nasser Mansi apologises to Zamalek fans after shirt-throwing incident

Nasser Mansi has apologised to Zamalek and the club’s supporters after being handed a severe financial penalty for his celebration following the winning goal against the Rwandan Army in the CAF Champions League.

The Zamalek number nine scored in the 90th minute to secure a 1-0 away victory in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie. His late finish came after an excellent pass from Isho.

Mansi issued his apology on Instagram Stories, saying: “The great Zamalek fans are my home, my family and my support after God. I am writing this because I feel I must apologise to every club supporter who was upset with me for throwing the shirt.

“It was a mistake from me and I sincerely apologise. Whatever pressure or emotion I was experiencing, it was not an excuse for what I did, and I accept any punishment.

“Zamalek and its supporters have given me so much after God. I will never deny the credit owed to the place that gave me confidence and an opportunity, and I will never forget the love of the fans, who have always supported me with every goal I score.

“Every success I achieve comes, after God’s grace, through the support of the club, its fans, my team-mates and everyone who stands by me.

“I am one of you. Zamalek is not just a club to me; it is a home, a family and a sense of belonging. Nasser Mansi will never forget what Zamalek and its fans have done for him.

“We are one family and we will not allow anything to divide us. We may disagree, but what we have been through is greater than any incident, and our love for Zamalek will always bring us together.

“I apologise to every Zamalek supporter who was upset with me. Hopefully, I will repay that apology on the pitch through my performances and hard work, and continue to live up to your expectations.

“Long live Zamalek and its great fans. Zamalek supporters are always in my heart.”

Zamalek football director Abdel Nasser Mohamed imposed the financial sanction after the incident. Mansi also apologised to head coach Moataz Gamal, Mohamed and his team-mates during the players’ dinner after the match.

Zamalek will qualify for the group stage if they win or draw the second leg, which will be played at Cairo Stadium on Saturday, 24 October.

The goal was Mansi’s second of the season, following his strike against Djibouti champions AS Port in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

In total, he has scored eight goals in African competitions: five in the CAF Champions League, two in the Confederation Cup and one in the Super Cup.

Zamalek are appearing in the CAF Champions League for the first time after missing the competition for three seasons.