Ahly coach vows to mediate in club-fan crisis over Port Said disaster Hossam El-Badry says he will talk to Ahly's board to solve a dispute with the club's fans, who are seeking justice in February's Port Said tragedy
Coach Hossam El-Badry said on Friday he would mediate in the ongoing dispute between Ahly board and die-hard fans (Ultras Ahlawy) over February's Port Said disaster which left dozens dead and hundreds injured. Around 20 of Ultras Ahlawy group members stormed Thursday's training session to protest at what they believe the board's reluctance to pressure Egyptian authorities into holding the culprits of Egypt's worst football tragedy to account. They even launched a rare attack on their own players, accusing them of “doing nothing but shedding crocodile tears” and “failing to even wear mourning armbands”. “I will talk with the fans to know their exact demands, after which I will talk with the club's board,” El-Badry, who had to cancel Thursday's training session, told Ahram's Arabic Sports website. “We want a rapid solution to that problem to avoid any tensions between the club and its fans. Whatever happens, the relationship between both must remain solid.” The Port Said disaster led to the cancellation of last season's Egyptian Premier League and forced an indefinite suspension of all domestic football activities. Since then, Cairo duo Ahly and Zamalek have had to play their home Champions League fixtures behind closed doors due to security concerns. A number of security officials and Masry fans are facing trial over the disaster for crimes such as negligence and premeditated murder respectively. “The club and the football team fully respect the feelings of the fans. We have to stand together to bring back the rights of the martyrs,” added El-Badry, who took over at the Red Devils following the resignation of Portuguese coach Manuel Jose. “We are proud of our fans, who are always dedicated to defending the club and its rights.” (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter:@AO Sports/ and facebookAhramOnlineSports)
