Ceramica Cleopatra handed huge fine after walk-off drama as Egyptian league announces several sanctions

The Egyptian Professional Clubs Association has unveiled its disciplinary decisions for Round 19 of the Egyptian Premier League, with Ceramica Cleopatra FC receiving the most severe punishment following their dramatic temporary withdrawal against Ismaily SC.

Tuesday’s clash between Ceramica Cleopatra and Ismaily ended in a tense 1-1 draw, but the match was overshadowed by late drama. In the 89th minute, referee Mohamed Abbas Qabil awarded a penalty to Ismaily after a challenge by Justice Arthur on Abdel Karim Mostafa inside the box. Ismaily converted the spot-kick to level the score.

In protest of the decision, Ceramica head coach Ali Maher ordered his players off the pitch, leading to a temporary suspension of the match. After roughly five minutes, the team returned and play resumed.

The result saw Ceramica surrender valuable points in the title race, dropping to fourth place on 36 points — level with Al Ahly SC and just one point behind leaders Zamalek SC and second-placed Pyramids FC.

Following its review, the League issued a formal warning to Ceramica Cleopatra and imposed a fine of 100,000 Egyptian pounds for the temporary withdrawal and subsequent resumption of play.

The club’s equipment manager, Mahmoud Mohamed Hassan, was handed a one-match suspension and fined 10,000 pounds after being sent off. He also received an additional 5,000-pound fine and a warning for entering the field of play to protest.

Other Round 19 Sanctions

In the match between Ismailia Electricity Club and Tala’ea El Gaish SC, Mohamed El-Sayed Khalil Abu El-Enein was suspended for one game and fined 5,000 pounds for accumulating three yellow cards. Ismailia Electricity were also fined 50,000 pounds after six players were booked in the same match.

During the clash involving El Gouna FC, Marwan Mohsen received a one-match ban and a 5,000-pound fine for his third booking.

In Smouha SC’s match against Al Ahly, Samuel Amadi was suspended for one match and fined 5,000 pounds after receiving his third yellow card.

Three players from Haras El Hodoud SC were also suspended for one match each and fined 5,000 pounds for accumulating three warnings.

Meanwhile, in the Petrojet versus Al Ittihad Alexandria Club encounter, several sanctions were issued, including a three-match ban and a 20,000-pound fine for sporting director Abdel Zaher El-Saqqa for using offensive language toward match officials.

The Association confirmed that all decisions were made in accordance with Article 54 of the Nile League Competition Regulations for the 2025-2026 season, governing warnings and disciplinary measures for players and staff.

With tensions rising in a tightly contested title race, Round 19’s sanctions underscore the league’s firm stance on discipline and adherence to regulations