The Egyptian Football Association's bad day following the national team's failure to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations was made worse by Zamalek fans protesting its 'oppression' toward them Tens of Zamalek's hardcore Ultras White Knights members protested outside the Egyptian Football Association's (EFA) building on Monday demanding the current board stand down. The protest is in response to perceived EFA "oppression" of the White Castle. This is not the first time Zamalek fans have been moved to protest outside the EFA headquarters; they started their war against its president, Samir Zaher, after their team's defeat against Maqassa last week. The Cairo giants, who are competing for their first title since 2004, threatened to pull out of the league after their stunning 1-0 defeat by Maqassa left them level on 46 points with arch-rivals Ahly. Zamalek's board accused the match referee, Yasser Mahmoud, of being biased in his decisions that saw him deny them a penalty and incorrectly rule out a goal for offside. This prompted the club to threaten to withdraw their confidence in the EFA under the leadership of Zaher, because it has “failed to satisfyingly manage” the association. The EFA have suspended Mahmoud until the end of the season but this has not satisfied Zamalek officials who have demanded the match be replayed. “Go... Zaher,” read a banner. The Ultras White Knights have chosen Monday to resume their protest demanding the match be replayed and following Sunday's defeat for the national team against South Africa, puplic opinion may be on their side.
