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Egypt FA support Ahly's appeal after Azaro suspension

Walid Azaro of Al Ahly EPA/KHALED ELFIQI

The Egyptian Football Association will support Al-Ahly's complaints to the Confederation of African Football after the Red Devils were hit with sanctions after their CAF Champions League final first-leg victory over Esperance on Friday.

African football's governing body revealed on Monday that they have suspended forward Walid Azaro for unsporting behaviour following his antics in last week's 3-1 victory, meaning he will miss Friday's second leg in Rades.

Ahly revealed that they have submitted an official letter of complaint to CAF in response to the punishment meted out to the attacker, a decision which has been backed by the EFA.

"The Football Federation announce their full support for Ahly in the face of African sanctions," read an EFA statement published on Monday.

"We are confident that Ahly and their supporters will also be welcomed and supported by Tunisian champions Esperance during the return leg [on Friday]."

Azaro was punished after his role in a tempestuous first match in Alexandria, in which he won two dubious penalties.

He was also, at one point, caught on camera tearing his own shirt before insinuating that it was caused by an opponent, duping Algerian referee Mehdi Abid Charef.

Azaro has been suspended for two matches, beginning with this Friday's second leg in Tunisia, after violating article 12 of the Disciplinary Code.

EFA's statement also suggests that the federation are backing Ahly's complaints against the $20,000 fine and the summons for manager Patrice Carteron to attend a disciplinary hearing, with the club brandishing both sanctions "reprehensible".

Two penalties - both converted by Walid Soliman - and Amr Elsolia's second-half goal have given Ahly a first-leg advantage, although Esperance's Youcef Belaili pulled one back to give his side a lifeline.