Yasser Yahya, a member of Masry’s board of directors, has disclosed the intricacies surrounding the clashes between Ismaily and Masry supporters during their recent Egyptian League match.
The encounter concluded with a one-to-one draw at the Borg El Arab Stadium.
In a telephone conversation with Hani Hathout, host of the “Al-Match” program on “Sada El Balad” channel, Yahya provided a detailed account of the incidents.
He stated, “It all began when a group of young Masry fans went to their Ismaily counterparts to take a commemorative photo symbolizing sportsmanship.”
Yahya continued, “At the moment Ismaily scored, and when the equalizing goal was registered, Ismaily fans snatched their flags and started assaulting the youngsters.”
He further elaborated, “Some of them contacted Masry fans, claiming that they were under attack, and around 10 or 15 of Masry supporters headed towards the Ismaily stands.
The rest is history.”
Yahya emphasized that the intention behind the scene was to portray a civilized image, but the situation unfolded quite the opposite.
He added, “Marketing the idea that Masry fans were behind the clashes did not occur; I do not justify what happened, but the story must be narrated accurately.”
Regarding the match ending in a draw, Yahya stated, “We were not successful today, and we earned one point from this game.
Ismaily performed better.”
Expressing his wish for Masry to clinch the League Cup after losing in the previous edition’s final, Yahya affirmed that Masry’s fans long for championship glory.
In response to the fan violence, Ahmed Diab, the president of the Professional Clubs Association, condemned the scene witnessed in the Ismaily-Masry match.
He asserted that it is utterly inappropriate and irreversible, despite the considerable support for a gradual return of fans.
Diab mentioned upcoming steps in this direction and affirmed that severe penalties would be imposed on those responsible for the unruly actions.
Diab emphasized that the misconduct of a few does not represent the fanbases of both clubs.
He pledged that appropriate measures would be taken against the culprits and called for continuous awareness campaigns to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
In conclusion, Diab underscored the pivotal role of football fans in the sport’s development and urged all stakeholders to contribute to the awareness campaign.
He thanked the Ministry of Interior and the African Company for containing the violence during the match.
