Egyptian court jails Zamalek board member over offensive remark against Al Ahly fans

An Egyptian court has reportedly sentenced a member of the board of directors of Zamalek SC following a case involving offensive comments directed at supporters of rivals Al Ahly SC.

According to reports, the Qasr El Nil Misdemeanor Court ruled today, Monday, to imprison board member Hani Shukri for six months after finding him guilty of insulting and verbally abusing Al Ahly supporters in an incident that sparked widespread controversy across Egyptian football.

The court also set bail at 5,000 Egyptian pounds for the suspension of the sentence, in addition to issuing a fine of 10,000 pounds and ordering the defendant to pay court expenses.

The case dates back to June 2025, when a video circulated widely on social media showing Shukri engaging in a handshake exchange before making derogatory remarks about Al Ahly fans, accompanied by an offensive expression.

The footage quickly went viral, triggering strong reactions from supporters and officials within Egyptian football, particularly given the intensity of the rivalry between the country’s two biggest clubs.

In response, Al Ahly’s board of directors assigned legal advisor Mohamed Othman to pursue legal action, which included filing an official complaint with the Public Prosecutor.

The legal ruling follows earlier disciplinary action taken within Egyptian football structures.

The Disciplinary Committee of the Egyptian Football Association had previously suspended Shukri for three months, banned him from entering stadiums, and imposed a financial penalty for conduct deemed to violate the principles of fair play and sportsmanship.

That earlier sanction was issued in response to what authorities described as behaviour incompatible with the responsibilities of a club official.

The case has once again highlighted the intense rivalry between Zamalek and Al Ahly, two of Africa’s most successful and fiercely competitive clubs.

While the rivalry is known for its passionate fan base and historic encounters, authorities have repeatedly warned against the escalation of tensions into abusive or inappropriate behaviour by officials or supporters.

The court’s decision is being viewed as part of a wider effort to reinforce standards of respect and professionalism within Egyptian football.

Officials have increasingly taken a stricter stance on incidents involving verbal abuse, particularly when they are publicly circulated and risk inflaming tensions between fan bases.

For now, attention turns to whether further legal or sporting consequences will follow, as Egyptian football continues to grapple with maintaining discipline amid one of the continent’s most passionate rivalries.