Mohamed El-Shenawy has been handed a four-match suspension after striking a referee following Al Ahly SC’s heated 1-1 draw with Ceramica Cleopatra FC in the Egyptian Premier League.
The Egyptian international was an unused substitute during Tuesday’s match but became involved after the final whistle when Al Ahly were denied a late penalty for an alleged handball deep into stoppage time.
Tempers flared on the touchline, and the veteran goalkeeper was accused of striking the match official in the aftermath of the decision.
A league statement confirmed the punishment, saying: “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 indicates the incident was deemed physical misconduct rather than violent conduct, but the sanction still represents a major blow for the Cairo giants at a decisive stage of the season.
El-Shenawy remains one of the most influential figures in Egyptian football. The 37-year-old captained his country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and is widely expected to be part of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this year. His absence now comes at a critical moment for the club, with domestic fixtures piling up.
The suspension will sideline him until the final week of the league play-offs, when the competition’s top seven teams battle in the Championship round. Defending champions Al Ahly currently sit third after one play-off game on 41 points, five adrift of leaders Zamalek SC.
