Zamalek accuse Ref. Lamptey of taking bribe in Mazembe defeat

Zamalek coach Ahmed Mido has accused Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey of taking a bribe to cheat them in their CAF Champions League defeat to TP Mazembe.

Lamptey has come in for serious bashing from the Egyptian fans and media over claims he robbed the White Knights into their 1-0 defeat to the Congolese giants on Saturday.

A 13th minute strike from Rainford Kalaba proved enough to hand Mazembe the vital win before their home fans to put them in full control of Group A with three matches left.

Players of Zamalek charged on the experienced Ghanaian referee after he blasted his whistle to end the match to register their protest of his performance on the day.

Coach Mido has now called on CAF to look into Lamptey’s performance over claims he took a ‘bribe’ from the hosts to officiate in their favour.

“Always I refuse to give excuses for the defeat, but I think that the referee’s performance was clear for all,” Mido said after the match.

“African football will not move forward if the referees’ faults remain like that.

“In 2009, Egyptian referee Yasser Abdel-Raouf officially accused Mazembe chairman of offering him a bribe.

“CAF did not react and we are witnessing a repeat of that now.

“Mazembe is a strong team, especially when they play at home. We played well, but we weren’t a tough opponent for them.”

Zamalek are now bottom in Group A with just three points but are still in with a chance of making the last four of the competition with three games left.