Zamalek football director Ibrahim Hassan denied being part of the events that marred Saturday's Champions League game with Club Africain. The round of 32 tie ended in chaos as hundreds of home fans invaded the pitch in an attempt to assault referee Mohamed Meknous as well as some Africain players. The unprecedented incident was linked with Hassan's controversial comment after the 4-2 first-leg defeat regarding the location of home supporters in Tunis. The former Egypt defender claimed that a number of Africain supporters sat inside the field, urging Zamalek fans to do the same in the return leg. “There is no way I meant that. If I'm involved in this, why would I protect Africain players from the transgressors? “I helped one of the players get out of the pitch safely, and Hossam Hassan was about to die for protecting the Tunisian team.
Ibrahim Hassan was seen containing match referee Meknous during the events, in an attempt to protect the Algerian official from the angry fans. Referee While his twin brother tried to protect the referee, manager Hossam Hassan believes that Meknous' performance enraged the home fans. “Of course what happened is unacceptable, this is not the Zamalek supporters I know,” the Egypt legend said. “But I also think that the referee provoked the fans with his wrong decisions. We had a clear penalty and a disallowed a goal near the end.” A late header from striker Ahmed Gaafar was disallowed after four Zamalek players, including the goalscorer, appeared to be in a clear offside position. Referee Meknous, who awarded Zamalek a first-half penalty, also waved play on after substitute Abou Kone was subjected to a slight touch by an Africain defender near the end.
