In the post-match press conference, the 56-year-old Croatian tactician showed footage of Zamalek’s winning goal on his phone to journalists, arguing that the strike should have been ruled out on offside grounds.
“Who is closer to the penalty area line ... the attacker of the last defender?” Jurčić asked, insisting his team had been treated unfairly.
The Croatian coach called for improved officiating standards, raising concerns over what he described as a pattern of decisions favouring Zamalek.
“Referees’ decisions must be better. Why have VAR calls gone in Zamalek’s favour in seven matches against them?” he asked.
“It is impossible to play or talk about football under such refereeing.”
Still, Jurcic congratulated Zamalek, their supporters, and coaching staff on their league performances before abruptly ending the press conference without taking questions.
“I congratulate Zamalek, their fans and their coach on what they are achieving in the league,” he said,
Zamalek secured the win at Cairo Stadium through Juan Bezerra’s 84th-minute goal, extending their lead at the top of the table to 49 points, five ahead of Pyramids and Ahly.
Pyramids remain second on goal difference ahead of Ahly, both on 44 points.
The match saw a serious injury to Pyramids midfielder Ahmed “Qotta” Atef, who sustained a broken nose after colliding with teammate Fiston Mayele in the 52nd minute.
Pyramids will next face Ahly on Monday, 27 April in the fourth round of the Championship Group, while Zamalek take on ENPPI on the same day.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: