Zamalek lodges a formal protest after a heated handball derby

Overview

The Zamalek board has decided to file an official complaint with the Egyptian Handball Federation against the referees of today’s clash with their archrivals Al Ahly, held this Friday afternoon at Heliopolis Hall in Shorouk. It was a pivotal 17th-round match in the Pro League, and the White Knights won 22-20.

In an official statement posted on its website after the game, Zamalek said the complaint was filed because of blatant refereeing errors and clear bias against the team, a bias that nearly altered the course of the match were it not for the resolve and fighting spirit of Zamalek’s handball players.

Details of the Complaint

According to the statement, this new filing is the third Zamalek has submitted against the officials and the federation, arguing that bias against the team persists and calls for a stand against refereeing excesses that hinder the White Knights’ pursuit of the title.

The statement adds that Zamalek seeks fair officiating across all meetings so that every side receives its due, free from favoritism or concessions granted to any team at the expense of another.

Punchline 1: If bias were a sport, the referees would have a full trophy cabinet by now.

Punchline 2: Maybe the league should install a replay booth for referees—call it Ref-ception.