Zamalek manager Motamed Gamal has suspended striker Nasser Mansy from group training and referred him to a club investigation following an angry goal celebration during the African Champions League preliminary round. The 28-year-old forward threw his jersey to the ground after scoring a late winner against APR FC.
The disciplinary action arrived swiftly following a dramatic finish in Kigali, where Mansy netted the decisive goal in the final minute of regular time to secure a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the second preliminary round. Rather than celebrating with his teammates, the forward tore off his shirt and hurled it onto the stadium’s running track.
While nearby players rushed to embrace him and calm his visible frustration, the reaction on the bench and across social media was immediate. Football analysts and commentators criticized the gesture, noting that Mansy had experienced a turbulent period with limited playing time and had started the match among the substitutes.
Disciplinary Escalation and Internal Investigation
The club’s management initially imposed a heavy financial penalty through football director Abdel Nasser Mohamed. However, the punishment escalated when Gamal ordered Mansy suspended from group training and referred to the club’s legal department for a formal hearing.
Club officials confirmed that Mohamed would submit a formal memo to the legal affairs department. The player’s return to the squad depends entirely on the outcome of the inquiry, which is scheduled to take place following the team’s return from Rwanda.
Public Apology and Player Remorse
Hours after the incident, Mansy recorded a video and published statements across social media platforms to apologize to the club’s supporters and coaching staff. He admitted that the mounting pressure of recent weeks caused him to snap, but conceded that frustration offered no excuse for his conduct.
I feel that I must apologize to every fan of the club who felt upset with me because of throwing the shirt. It was a wrong action from me and I apologize most sincerely, and whatever the pressure or emotion I was going through, this is not an excuse for the action and I accept any punishment.
Nasser Mansy, Zamalek Forward, via Instagram
The forward emphasized his deep ties to the institution, describing the club as a family and a home rather than just a workplace. He accepted the financial sanctions and the ongoing investigation without objection, stating his intent to redeem himself through hard work on the pitch.
Preparations for the Return Leg Against APR FC
The narrow away victory gives Zamalek a vital advantage as the squad prepares for the return leg. The decisive second match is scheduled to take place in Cairo on October 24, 2026, where the team aims to secure its progression into the group stage of the continental tournament.
Before hosting the Rwandan side, domestic competition demands immediate attention.
