Zamalek hardcore supporters vow to defy Egypt's crowd ban

Zamalek's hardcore football fans vowed to defy an ongoing crowd ban in the domestic league, threatening to ruin the competition if their demand is not met. The Egyptian Premier League kicked off last month after a period of uncertainty over whether it would be held, having been cancelled the past two seasons due to lingering security concerns in the turmoil-stricken country. The first half of the season will be held behind closed doors. Zamalek have already played two matches without their enthusiastic supporters, defeating Masry 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Ismaily. "When will we return to the stands? We have had enough and we can no longer remain silent," Ultras White Knights, Zamalek's main fan group, said on their Facebook page on Friday. "Shame on you … down with your regime and government. Nothing will prevent us from returning to the stands, it's our right." Egyptian authorities were lenient in adopting a crowd ban last season, allowing the fans of Cairo giants Ahly and Zamalek to enter stadiums on several occasions. The supporters were also spared any punishment from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA). However, according to the EFA regulations, a team is awarded a walkover win if their opponents' fans defy a crowd ban. The supporters will be given 15 minutes to vacate the stadium; otherwise the match will be called off. "Either a return for the fans [to the stands] to breathe life into the competition or a final chapter for the fake and void competition," Ultras White Knights added. Source: Ahram Online