Zamalek president Mansour slams Ultras Ahlawy over Ethiopia airport clashes

Ahram Online , Wednesday 22 Mar 2017

ultras
File photo: Ahly's die-hard fans intend to attend Wednesday's Champions League clash against Zamalek despite a crowd ban enforced by the Egyptian authorities (Photo: Ahram)

Zamalek president Mortada Mansour has hit back at a group of Ahly fans that clashed with his players at an Ethiopian airport on Wednesday, calling on the Egyptian authorities to take strong action against Ultras groups.

Zamalek international keeper Mahmoud "Gennesh" Abdel-Rehim and defender Islam Gamal clashed with dozens of Ahly fans who were in transit at Addis Ababa. The Ahly fans were returning from South Africa, where Ahly played a Champions League game against Bidvest.

According to Gamal, the confrontation started when Ahly fans insulted Gennesh in the airport, resulting in a minor clash between the two sides.

Zamalek issued a statement on Wednesday saying that Wednesday's clashes should be investigated and that harsh action was required in response to violence from Ultras fans.

Over the past few years, Ultras groups have maintained a tense relationship with the Zamalek president, both on and off the pitch. Mansour filed a legal case calling for the groups to be banned and listed as terrorist organizations.

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