Zamalek captain Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed is hoping to face Masri in the presence of fans despite the FA's decision to stage the game behind closed doors on Sunday. Zamalek are serving their last stadium sanction for use of fireworks, only for the Ultras White Knights to announce their intention to oppose the ruling and attend the home game. While the vow has caused some anxiety, Abdul-Wahed is urging the FA to overrule its verdict. “It is illogical to deny fans from having their natural right in supporting the team,” the veteran keeper told FilGoal.com. “This ruling has to be cancelled. I hope the FA resolves the problem with the fans so that they can attend the game.” The FA was forced to tone down the sanction on using fireworks from playing behind closed doors to a fine on the respective club. Ahli's game against Ismaili on December 26 would be the last game this season to be played in the absence of fans as the league holders pay the price of an old fireworks-infringement by their fans.
Warning In a totally different opinion, Zamalek midfielder Ibrahim Salah rejected the notion of breaking the FA's decision as he urged fans to remain committed for the benefit of the club. “It was the fans who caused this in the first place so they have to accept it in order not to cause any harm to the club,” the Egypt international said. “The presence of fans is always necessary but in this case they have to look to the benefit of the team. “We could lose the match points if they came and we could be distracted if they decided to break into the stadium like they did against Police Union.” Zamalek were serving the same ban in last month's game with Police Union when tens of their fans broke into the Cairo Stadium stands with lighted canisters. The Whites eventually lose 2-1 after being a goal ahead as the FA decided not to take further action against the Cairo club.
