Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy has been handed a four-match suspension after striking a referee during a heated Egyptian Pro League clash against Ceramica Cleopatra.
The incident occurred following a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, with the 37-year-old Egypt international reacting angrily to a late decision not to award Al-Ahly a penalty for a suspected handball in stoppage time. El-Shenawy, who was on the bench for the match, confronted the official at full-time.
The Egyptian Pro League confirmed the punishment in an official statement, outlining both a suspension and financial penalty.
“A four-match ban and fine of 50,000 Egyptian pounds (£700) for assaulting the referee by pushing or pulling [use of the hand without violence],” the statement read.
The ban rules El-Shenawy out until the final week of the league’s Championship play-off round.
El-Shenawy remains a crucial figure for both club and country. He was Egypt’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and is expected to be part of the squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America.
His absence is a setback for Al-Ahly as they push for the league title. The defending champions currently sit third in the Championship round standings with 41 points, five behind leaders Zamalek after one match.
With the title race intensifying, Al-Ahly will need to cope without their experienced shot-stopper during a critical stretch of the season.
