No Zamalek pardon for Shikabala

Zamalek has insisted it will not pardon Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala’ following his row with coach Hassan Shehata. The talented winger, one of Egypt’s most prominent stars, has been suspended by Zamalek since his touchline altercation with coach Shehata during an African Champions League game last month. “The technical staff has no intention of reversing the decision to punish Shikabala,” Zamalek assistant coach Ismail Youssef said on the club’s official website. “We decided to loan out the player. That decision will take effect, even if he apologises for his behaviour. He is not in our plans for next season,” Youssef added. Shikabala has been Zamalek’s best performer during the past two seasons, but constant disciplinary problems hindered his progress. The latest feud prompted Egypt coach Bob Bradley to leave him out of the team’s opening 2014 World Cup qualifier against Mozambique, which the Pharaohs won 2-0. Shikabala's agent has recently denied that his client received offers from European outfits. Reports suggest that he may move to an Arab Gulf club.