Port Said-based club Al-Masry got the minimum penalty after being banned for two seasons by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri said Saturday.
The decision enraged Masry’s die-hard supporters, who deemed the sanctions harsh. Ahly fans, on the other hand, threatened to retaliate if the sanctions are not toughened.
“It was the minimum penalty, according to the regulations of the EFA and (world governing body) FIFA,” El-Ganzouri told reporters.
“Masry can lodge an appeal with relevant authorities in a bid to reduce the punishment.”
EFA also said Masry’s Port Said Stadium will be closed for three years after witnessing Egypt’s worst-ever football tragedy.
At least 74 football fans died and hundreds were injured when thousands of Masry supporters invaded the pitch following the end of an Egyptian Premier League game to confront Ahly’s visiting contingent.
The league season was called off earlier this week in the wake of the event.
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