Dressed in black, instead of their usual white, about 150 supporters spread themselves across a stand to create the emoji during the team's 4-3 win over Sudanese club Al-Merriekh.

But Mansour was distinctly unimpressed.

"Zamalek wears white with two red lines," said the 70-year-old, who is a controversial figure in Egyptian football and recently served a one-month prison sentence for verbally insulting the president of bitter Cairo rivals Al Ahly.

"Whoever wants to support us is welcome, but not in black. Those who went to the Al-Merreikh match in black will not be allowed to attend again."

Zamalek president Mortada Mansour, a controversial figure in Egyptian football, has threatened to ban the fans who took part in the emoji protest

Renowned for their fanatical support, Zamalek's Ultras White Knights fan group used social media to explain their "fury towards the team's situation and board members who are not suitable to represent our great club", describing themselves as the team's "sword and armour".

As well as their early exit from the continent's premier club competition, the five-time African champions are also struggling in the defence of their domestic title, currently sitting fifth in the Egyptian Premier League, 11 points behind Al Ahly who have two games in hand.

Last week, Zamalek sacked Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira for the second time in two months, with Mansour saying he has reached an agreement with a replacement that will be announced "within days".