Ismaily Players Walk Off Pitch in Protest Over Referee Decision

Players of Ismaily SC briefly walked off the pitch during their match against Wadi Degla SC after a controversial refereeing decision.

The incident happened after Wadi Degla were awarded their second goal of the game. The Ismaily players strongly disagreed with the decision and left the field in protest.

The situation has been compared to a similar protest by the Senegal national team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, where they also walked off the pitch to complain about officiating decisions. Some observers have called this growing trend the “Senegal Effect,” as more teams are now showing open protests over refereeing calls.

In the Ismaily match, the players later returned to the pitch and the game continued to its conclusion.

It is not yet clear if the players or the club will face any disciplinary action.