The debate surrounding Al Ahly and Egyptian refereeing has intensified at the beginning of the current season after media personality Ahmed Belal addressed the controversy, criticizing what he described as early attempts to create refereeing issues around the club, particularly following the incident involving referee Mohamed Maarouf during the Al Ahly-ZED match. ⚽🔥
Belal believes that repeated discussions about refereeing at this stage do not benefit the competition, arguing that Al Ahly are still at the beginning of their campaign and that early focus on such issues could place additional pressure on the team.
The presenter of “Hena Al Ahly” made his comments amid widespread debate over refereeing performances during the opening rounds and several decisions that generated objections and questions among clubs and supporters.
Ahmed Belal: It Is Too Early for These Crises
Ahmed Belal criticized what he described as the early promotion of controversies involving Al Ahly, stressing that raising such issues from the beginning of the season is excessive in his view.
Belal said: “It is way too early for the things they have been promoting since the beginning of the season.”
He believes Al Ahly should be given the opportunity to compete without being surrounded by increasing media pressure, particularly after making a positive start and securing good results.
Al Ahly Started the Season Strongly
Belal pointed out that Al Ahly have made a strong start, which he believes has contributed to the increased attention surrounding the team.
He said: “They saw Al Ahly winning their first two matches with good performances,” questioning why these controversies appeared so early in the campaign.
From his perspective, continued discussion of refereeing could create a tense atmosphere around the team by increasing pressure on players, coaches and even the referees assigned to Al Ahly matches. 🔥
“They Want to Put Al Ahly in the Wrong Place”
Ahmed Belal continued his criticism, suggesting that attempts are being made to place Al Ahly in an uncomfortable position from the beginning of the season.
He said: “From the first day, they want to put Al Ahly in the wrong place,” expressing his belief that the ongoing controversy could affect the club’s campaign.
He also stressed that constant pressure on referees early in the season could influence upcoming matches, particularly if officials enter games under significant levels of criticism and expectations.
Belal Defends Al Ahly in the Maarouf Controversy
Ahmed Belal then discussed referee Mohamed Maarouf, whose name has recently become associated with the controversy surrounding the Al Ahly-ZED match.
Belal referred to several previous incidents that, in his opinion, make claims of a special attitude toward Al Ahly difficult to accept.
He asked: “Isn’t this the same Mohamed Maarouf who sent off Mohamed Hany last season while Al Ahly were leading 4-0 for wasting time?”
According to Belal, recalling such incidents demonstrates that Maarouf has previously made decisions against Al Ahly, meaning recent claims cannot logically be built on the idea that he has suddenly become biased toward the club.
Mohamed Maarouf’s Previous Celebration
Ahmed Belal also referred to another incident involving Mohamed Maarouf, questioning the referee’s position in a previous situation that reportedly included a celebration that generated controversy among supporters.
He asked: “Isn’t this the referee who was jumping around while celebrating a Zamalek goal?”
Belal used the incident to challenge the idea of any supposed bias toward Al Ahly.
He argued that looking at previous situations can provide a broader picture rather than focusing on one incident or one image that may be interpreted in multiple ways.
Has Maarouf’s Position Toward Al Ahly Changed?
Ahmed Belal ended his comments with a sarcastic question about whether Mohamed Maarouf’s position toward Al Ahly had suddenly changed.
He asked: “Did Mohamed Maarouf suddenly change and start supporting Al Ahly, with Al Ahly’s interests becoming important to him?”
The question reflects Belal’s rejection of the idea that the referee should be linked to Al Ahly based on circulating claims, implicitly stressing that every refereeing incident should be assessed according to its own details and available evidence.
Egyptian Refereeing Under the Spotlight
Ahmed Belal’s comments come at a time when Egyptian refereeing is attracting significant attention, particularly following several controversial decisions during the early rounds.
The competition needs an environment that allows referees to perform their duties without excessive pressure, while clubs also need to express their objections through official channels and based on available evidence.
The Al Ahly-ZED match remains one of the most prominent cases that opened a wider debate about refereeing, but resolving any allegation or version of events ultimately depends on what can be clearly established.
✨ Ahmed Belal has raised the debate surrounding Mohamed Maarouf once again, defending Al Ahly and stressing that the refereeing controversy began too early, while arguing that previous incidents do not support the idea of the referee being biased in favor of the Red Giants.
📢 Do you agree with Ahmed Belal that the refereeing controversy has started far too early? Do you think Mohamed Maarouf is receiving excessive criticism? Share your opinion. ⚽🔥
