Spanish international referee Cesar Soto Grado sparked controversy among Egyptian football fans after making some tough decisions in the summit match between Al Ahly and Zamalek in the ninth week of the Nile League.

The match ended with Al Ahly defeating Zamalek 2-1. Hussam Abdel Meguid scored from a penalty in the 32nd minute of the first half, one of the referee’s difficult decisions. Hussein El Shahat equalized in the 71st minute just two minutes after coming on as a substitute, then Trezeguet scored the winning goal in the 78th minute from a penalty.

Referee Reversed One Penalty and Cancelled Another

Cesar Soto Grado awarded a penalty to Zamalek in the 30th minute after a harsh tackle by Yassin Marai on Addy Al-Dabbagh. Abdullah Al-Saeed took the penalty but it was saved by Mohamed El-Shenawy. However, the Spanish referee decided to order a retake, which Hussam Abdel Meguid converted in the 32nd minute to put Zamalek ahead.

In the 43rd minute, the referee awarded a penalty after a foul by Abdullah Al-Saeed on Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, but after reviewing the VAR, he cancelled the decision and let play continue.

Refereeing Expert: Referee’s Decisions Were Correct

Refereeing expert Mohamed Salah Abdel Fattah confirmed that Cesar Soto Grado’s decisions regarding the two penalties were correct.

Abdel Fattah told Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper that Grado acted properly on Abdullah Al-Saeed’s penalty, ordering a retake due to a mistake by Al Ahly players entering the penalty area before the kick.

He added that the cancellation of Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet’s penalty was correct because the ball touched Abdullah Al-Saeed’s stomach, not his hand.

Title Race Heats Up Between Al Ahly and Zamalek

Al Ahly raised its points to 15 in third place after playing 8 matches, while Zamalek remained top with 17 points after 9 matches.

Al Masry of Port Said is second with 15 points, equal to Al Ahly but with a game in hand.