Ultras Ahlawy are ready to co-operate with security
Ahly’s hardcore fan group, the Ultras Ahlawy, called for fans to be allowed to attend when the Red Devils host Angolan champions Recreativo de Libolo in the second leg of the CAF Champions League round of 32 in Alexandria on Saturday.
The Ultras said on their official Facebook page that they are ready to co-operate with security in arranging fan attendance and in inspecting fans if necessary.
“We are happy to know that 30,000 people will attend Egypt’s game against Nigeria on 29 March at the stadium and 10,000 Zamalek fans will attend their team’s game in the CAF Champions League, but what about Ahly fans?” read a statement published on Ultras Ahlawy page on Friday.
“Are Ahly fans from another country? What are difference between those fans and Ahly supporters?” the statement read.
Ahly, who finished the first leg against Recreativo with a goalless draw, have no choice except to win when they host the Angolan side at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria on Saturday in order to reach the CAF Champions League round of 16.
“Fans are ready to be responsible and co-operate during inspections as well as entrance if that’s the only problem,” the statement added.
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“The fans will attend the game to support the team in the coming important game.
“Whoever suspends people from their rights to support the team is someone who is calling for a feud with fans,” the statement added.
“Today we will book tickets to attend the game,”
“We repeat it again…fans will attend the game only to support the team,” the statement concluded.
An official ban on audience attendance at matches was issued by the Egyptian government following the Port Said stadium massacre in February 2012, in which 74 fans were killed. The ban has prevented audience attendance at all league matches for over three years.
The attendance ban was lifted briefly in February 2015, but the first fan-attended game ended violently and 20 Zamalek fans were killed outside the Air Defence stadium.
All football activities in Egypt have since been played behind closed doors.
