Zamalek threaten further action over refereeing complaint after Al-Ahly derby defeat

Zamalek have warned they will not remain silent if they fail to receive a response to their complaint over the refereeing of their 2-0 defeat by rivals Al-Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League.

The White Knights lodged a formal complaint with the Egyptian Football Association in the early hours of Monday, following the sixth-round derby defeat.

Zamalek media director Maher Gharib defended the club’s decision, insisting the Cairo giants would continue to demand an explanation of the refereeing decisions made during the match.

“There is no right to comment on Zamalek Club’s statement. This is our position, and we are not a small club,” Gharib said in an interview with ON TV.

“Zamalek’s complaint is clear to the Football Association and Hani Abu Rida. We are Zamalek and we are not afraid of anyone. I am Zamalek, and I only address major institutions.”

Gharib stressed that the club’s concerns did not amount to questioning the integrity of Egyptian referees or the country’s football administration.

“Zamalek’s position on refereeing has not changed, and we do not doubt the integrity of the refereeing or the football system in Egypt,” he added.

“Zamalek is a great national club and understands the role it plays, but we have the right to stop and ask for an explanation of what happened on the pitch.”

He warned that the club would consider further action if its concerns were not addressed, reiterating that Zamalek were simply seeking to defend their interests rather than receive preferential treatment.

“We will not remain silent if we do not receive a response to the complaint. Zamalek is a big club and knows how to defend its rights. We do not ask anyone to favour us,” he said.

The defeat was Zamalek’s first in the league this season, leaving them third in the standings on 13 points after four wins, one draw and one loss.

The Egyptian giants will now turn their attention to continental competition as they prepare to face Rwanda’s Army FC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League round-of-32 tie on Friday.

Zamalek will be hoping to put the derby disappointment behind them and secure a positive result ahead of the return leg as they pursue progress in the 2026-27 campaign.