New dispute erupts between Ahly and Pyramids over youth match

A crisis unfolded recently at Ahly’s club in Nasr City when the Pyramids U-18 team withdrew from a national league match against Ahly after a penalty was awarded in the second minute.

According to Kooora, the referee called the penalty, prompting Pyramids’ players and staff to protest. Pyramids’ Head of Youth, Islam Shokry, entered the pitch to argue and was subsequently red-carded for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Shokry refused to leave and demanded that Ahly’s youth director, Walid Suleiman, also be expelled. The referee insisted Suleiman had done nothing wrong. After a 30-minute standoff, with Shokry refusing to leave, the referee cancelled the match.

Islam Shokry explained to Pyramids’ media: “It’s standard for youth directors from both clubs to attend matches. The penalty call was shocking, the linesman didn’t signal, and our staff saw no foul.” Shokry argued that only coaches and players could be disciplined, not administrators.

Ahly officials, meanwhile, were surprised by Suleiman’s involvement, stating: “He wasn’t asked to leave, and watched from the stands as is customary.” Ahly saw Pyramids’ media filming of the incident as improper and in violation of club media rules.

The referee is expected to submit a report to the Football Association, with Ahly arguing they should be awarded the win. The match was the second youth encounter between the sides in two days, with Ahly U-16 winning a dramatic 4-3 contest the day prior.