Following Al Ahly SC’s intense 1-1 tie with Ceramica Cleopatra FC in the Egyptian Premier League, Mohamed El-Shenawy struck a referee, earning him a four-match punishment.
After Al Ahly were denied a late penalty for an apparent handball deep into stoppage time, the Egyptian international—who had not been used as a substitute during Tuesday’s game—became involved.
In the wake of the ruling, the seasoned goalkeeper was accused of hitting the match official as tensions erupted on the touchline.
“A four-match ban and fine of 50,000 Egyptian pounds (£700) for assaulting the referee by pushing or pulling [use of the hand without violence],” the league said in a statement confirming the penalty.
The suspension is a significant setback for the Cairo giants at a pivotal point in the season, even though the statement suggests that the incident was judged to be physical misconduct rather than aggressive conduct.
One of the most important people in Egyptian football is still El-Shenawy. The 37-year-old is anticipated to be a member of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this year. He captained his nation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With domestic games stacking up, his absence now comes at a crucial time for the team.
He won’t be able to play until the last week of the league playoffs, when the top seven teams compete in the Championship round. After one play-off game, defending champions Al Ahly are presently five points behind leaders Zamalek SC in third place with 41 points.
