Zamalek TV defends Esperance fans’ targeting of Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane

Zamalek TV has sparked controversy after defending the behaviour of Esperance fans toward Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane during Sunday’s match between the two sides, which ended in a narrow defeat for Al Ahly.

Ben Romdhane, a former Esperance player, was reportedly subjected to verbal abuse and had empty bottles thrown at him by supporters before entering the Rades Stadium. He continued to face insults while inspecting the stadium prior to kickoff.

On the program Zamalekawi, the presenter addressed the incident, claiming, “I followed the campaigns launched by Esperance fans against Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. The public is never required to use its mind.”

He added context on the player’s career movements, saying, “Ben Romdhane left Esperance and moved to Al Ahly. Al Ahly attempted to sign him earlier, but Esperance refused due to continental competition. When he later joined Ferencváros in Hungary, it became a smoother process, as you understand.”

Ben Romdhane had joined Ferencváros in 2023 on a free transfer after his contract with Esperance expired, giving him the right to move without the Tunisian club’s consent.

The presenter further criticized the reaction of Esperance fans, asserting, “They made the player’s name and fame, then attacked him, as if comparing him to currency, believing he preferred money over returning to the club that launched his career.” He concluded, “Don’t lecture Zamalek fans. Platonic ideals don’t exist in football. Fans are not required to think like philosophers.”

The remarks are part of a broader pattern for Zamalekawi, which recently mocked Enppi player Aktai Abdullah before retracting its criticism and labeling the apology a “sign of maturity.”

The program has previously faced sanctions from the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, including a two-week suspension under Decision No. 78. Last June, the council summoned Zamalek TV’s legal representative over content deemed inconsistent with media regulations. In February, the manager of Zamalek’s social media account was also summoned for violations in a broadcast video.

Most recently, the Supreme Council has called on the channel’s legal representative to appear before the Complaints Committee on Monday regarding controversial content aired on one of the club’s programs.