This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.
Zamalek's hardcore fans warn Egypt's authorities over crowd ban Zamalek's hardcore football fans say they had given Egypt's football authorities a 48-hour ultimatum to lift the ongoing crowd ban
Ultras White Knights, a group of ardent Zamalek supporters, warned Egyptian authorities that they will retaliate if an ongoing crowd ban is not lifted within 48 hours. No fans are allowed to attend football games in Egypt due to lingering security concerns. A crowd ban was partially lifted last year but recent troubles prompted the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to reverse the decision. "We only need to pass a gate, watch our team for 90 minutes and then return home. It's very simple but you [authorities] have made it a very complicated matter," Ultras White Knights said in a statement on their Facebook page. "We are giving you 48 hours; we are giving you a chance to stop suppressing and provoking us. Either we return to the stands or … you will know what will happen soon." Spectators had already been banned from attending domestic matches since the infamous Port Said stadium disaster, which left over 70 Ahly fans dead following an ill-tempered league game against Masry early last year. Limited numbers of fans had previously been allowed to attend continental encounters, but recent disturbances at Champions League matches played by Cairo duo Ahly and Zamalek and a regional game featuring Ismaily prompted the ministry to reconsider. Zamalek fans ripped up the seats at Alexandria's military-owned Borg El-Arab Stadium following a preliminary round game against Chad's Gazelle. And their Ahly counterparts threw firecrackers onto the pitch during the team's 2-0 victory over Kenya's Tusker in the second leg of the competition's round of 32. During Ismaily's Arab Cup game against Algeria's USMA, meanwhile, some home supporters invaded the pitch following the final whistle and fought with police. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/74391.aspx
