Former Zamalek Goalkeeper Joins Tahrir Square Protests
Prominent Egyptian journalist and blogger Hossam el-Hamalawy has uploaded videos to YouTube showing former Zamalek SC goalkeeper Nader el-Sayed leading protests in Cairo's Tahrir (Liberation)Square demanding an immediate end to President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule.
Soccer fans from Zamalek as well its Cairo arch rival, Al Ahly SC, have played a key role in the protests that have paralyzed Egypt for the past two weeks, forced Mubarak to pledge that he won't seek re-election in elections scheduled for September and are seeking to force him to resign without delay.
The presence on Tahrir Sqaure of El-Sayed, who reportedly is being wooed by US Major Soccer League team Los Angeles Galaxy, highlights the replication of Egypt's political cleavages within the country's soccer.
El-Sayed is welcomed on Monday on Tahrir Square
Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan and striker Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' as well as many of the club's fans have also joined the protesters.
Their participation in the demonstrations contrasts starkly with Zamalek board member Hassan Ibrahim's support of efforts by the government to project a return to normalcy. Hassan on Sunday said Zamalek was maintaining a rigorous training schedule despite the turmoil engulfing Egypt.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) indefinitely cancelled premier league matches almost two weeks ago.
El-Sayed leads Tahrir Square protests
Soccer fans from Zamalek as well its Cairo arch rival, Al Ahly SC, have played a key role in the protests that have paralyzed Egypt for the past two weeks, forced Mubarak to pledge that he won't seek re-election in elections scheduled for September and are seeking to force him to resign without delay.
The presence on Tahrir Sqaure of El-Sayed, who reportedly is being wooed by US Major Soccer League team Los Angeles Galaxy, highlights the replication of Egypt's political cleavages within the country's soccer.
El-Sayed is welcomed on Monday on Tahrir Square
Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan and striker Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' as well as many of the club's fans have also joined the protesters.
Their participation in the demonstrations contrasts starkly with Zamalek board member Hassan Ibrahim's support of efforts by the government to project a return to normalcy. Hassan on Sunday said Zamalek was maintaining a rigorous training schedule despite the turmoil engulfing Egypt.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) indefinitely cancelled premier league matches almost two weeks ago.
El-Sayed leads Tahrir Square protests
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