The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has hit both Zamalek and Maqassa clubs with a EGP 10,000 fine each, after Friday's Egyptian Premier League game. "The Competitions Committee have decided to fine Zamalek technical staff for urging players leave the pitch during Maqassa game," the association announced Sunday afternoon. "Under the helm of Amer Hussein, the committee fines Maqassa due to a late show in the second half," EFA added. The game from Matchday 5 caused controversy as Zamalek demanded it be repeated or the team would withdraw from the competition because of "refereeing mistakes." The Whites' league title hopes were severely dented following a 1-0 defeat at Maqassa in a match that was refereed by Gehad Gerisha at Suez's Army Stadium. Gerisha denied Zamalek a second-half penalty kick when Maqassa's Ahmed Sami extended his arm inside the area to block the ball, with the visitors fuming at the official's decision. In an apparent attempt to withdraw from the match in stoppage time, almost all Zamalek players walked off the pitch, only to backtrack and resume play after the game had been halted for a few minutes. Egypt Cup holders Zamalek, who also face a rescheduled game against Talae El-Geish, are third in the league with 40 points, five adrift of second-placed Maqassa. Ahly are top of the table with 52 points. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
