Al Ahly goalkeeper El Shenawy suspended after red card in Ceramica Cleopatra clash

Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy will miss his side’s upcoming Egyptian Premier League clash against Smouha FC after being sent off during their heated 1-1 draw against Ceramica Cleopatra.

The encounter, played at the Arab Contractors Stadium on Tuesday evening, was overshadowed by late controversy as tensions boiled over in the closing stages.

Al Ahly were left furious after referee Mohamed Wafa declined to award a penalty following a handball appeal against Ceramica Cleopatra’s Ahmed Hany.

Despite consulting VAR, the official upheld his original decision, ruling that the contact did not influence play.

The decision sparked furious protests from Al Ahly players and staff, with El Shenawy—who was on the bench—joining the heated objections after the final whistle. As the situation escalated, referee Wafa initially showed the goalkeeper a yellow card before quickly following it up with a red card for dissent.

Club officials, including football director Walid Salah El Din, intervened in an attempt to calm the situation and escort El Shenawy away from the referee. Backup goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was also booked during the chaotic scenes.

As per the Egyptian League regulations, El Shenawy will serve a one-game suspension and a fine of 2,500 Egyptian pounds after being sent off in the clash.

However, the fallout may not end there. With the red card issued for unsportsmanlike conduct, the case is expected to be reviewed by the league’s Disciplinary Committee, which could impose additional sanctions.

The draw leaves Al Ahly in third place on the table with 41 points, just ahead of Ceramica Cleopatra, who sit fourth with 39 points—tightening the race as the decisive phase of the season intensifies.