African giants Al Ahly have rejected the punishment for not showing up to the Cairo Derby this week.
The Red Devils did not show up for their clash against arch-rivals Zamalek on Tuesday evening, after their request for a foreign referee was not granted.
The first Cairo Derby last month saw the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) bring in a Norwegian officiating team, with the clash ending in a 1-1 draw.
Read: Zamalek Takes ‘Key Decision’ For Stellenbosch Confed Cup Clash
While Al Ahly did not pitch up, Zamalek were in attendance at the Cairo Stadium along with the referee and they feel they should be awarded the points.
The Egyptian Clubs Association have since declared the match a forfeit for Al Ahly and have awarded Zamalek a 3-0 win, while Marcel Koller’s charges have also been deducted a further three points.
Al Ahly responded with a statement on Saturday evening, rejecting the sanctions and blaming the EFA.
Statement:
The club’s board discussed in its open session today the decisions issued by the Professional Club Association regarding the summit match that was scheduled for last Tuesday, and the board decided the following:
– Reject the decisions issued by the Professional Club Association, as it, along with the Egyptian Football Association, bears responsibility for the situation that has arisen.
– Insist on all the demands stated in the club’s complaint to the Egyptian Olympic Committee, which confirms that Al Ahly did not withdraw from the summit match according to the submitted documents.
– Respect any decisions issued by the committee formed to investigate the club’s complaint.
.