Masri football director Ibrahim Hassan called on Port-Said fans to give Ahli a welcome reception ahead of both sides' Egyptian league encounter on Wednesday. Ahli, as well as Cairo rivals Zamalek, received a hostile reception during their previous visits to Port-Said as last year witnessed fierce clashes between ultras fans. Moreover, pundits believe that tension is expected to take place as the Hassans face their old club, even so the ex-Zamalek football director is calling for calm. “I am urging Masri fans not to be fanatic and we promise Ahli a good reception,” Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of coach Hossam, told FilGoal.com. “I trust Port-Said fans and I'm sure they will not stir more unrest amid the ongoing turmoil the country is witnessing in the meantime.” Trust
Meanwhile, Ahli welcomed the initiative taken by Masri to produce a trouble-free clash asserting that they trust their counterpart's officials in their calls for calm ahead of the anticipated fixture. “We – Ahli management – are sure we will get a warm reception from Masri fans in Port-Said,” Ahli football director Sayed Abdul-Hafiz told the club's website. “We trust the Masri coaching staff under the guidance of Hossam Hassan and we are confident they can cool down the fans. “We welcome their initiatives to let the match come out as peaceful. Everyone must know well it's just a football game like any other game, I know the fans bear in mind that fact.” Former Zamalek boss Hossam Hassan, an Egyptian legend renowned for his enthusiasm, was involved in an infamous touchline incident with Ahli coach Manuel Jose during last term's derby clash.
