Egyptian international goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy has been handed a four-match suspension and fined 50,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately £700) for striking a referee following a tense Egyptian Pro League match.
The incident occurred after Al-Ahly's 1-1 draw with Ceramica Cleopatra on Tuesday, when El-Shenawy—who was on the bench during the game—confronted the match official over a disputed penalty decision in added time. League authorities described the violation as "assaulting the referee by pushing or pulling [use of the hand without violence]."
"A four-match ban and fine of 50,000 Egyptian pounds for assaulting the referee," stated the league's disciplinary announcement.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper, who served as Egypt's first-choice keeper during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and is expected to feature in this summer's World Cup in North America, will now miss crucial matches during the league's championship play-off round. His suspension will keep him sidelined until the final week of the competition.
Defending champions Al-Ahly currently sit third in the play-off standings with 41 points, trailing leaders Zamalek by five points after one match in the championship phase. The absence of their veteran goalkeeper presents a significant challenge as the team pursues the league title.