File photo: Zamalek's defender Salah Soliman (Photo: Bassam Al-Zoghby)
Zamalek’s die-hard fans, the Ultras White Knights, launched a fierce attack on the team’s defender Salah Soliman during Saturday’s friendly game against Maqassa over his support of former club president Mamdouh Abbas.
Hundreds of fans witnessed the game from the stands and verbally abused the player, forcing him to leave the pitch in the middle of the second half.
The supporters blasted the 24-year old defender for his support of Abbas, whom they hold accountable for the death of one of their members during clashes in front of the club’s headquarters last month.
Soliman was seen in the video hailing Abbas' contributions to Zamalek and backing him to remain at the helm of the club.
Minister of Sports Taher Abou-Zaid removed Abbas in October and appointed an interim-committee under the presidency of Kamal Darwich.
“I apologise for throwing the shirt on the pitch and I am ready for any punishment. But I was totally shocked by the fans’ attack. This was a personal position and the video was shot two months ago,” Soliman told the club’s official website.
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