A draw under the normal circumstances would have been considered a bad result for second-placed Zamalek, who hoped to make the most of leaders Ahli's 1-1 draw with Arab Contractors earlier in the day.

However, the manner in which they snatched a point made the draw look as if it was a victory for Zamalek, who endured nervous moments towards the end after having several penalty claims turned down by the referee.

Mohamed Al-Fayoumi put Police in front midway through the first half after capitalizing on a defensive lapse.

Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan introduced diminutive right-back Hazem Emam, back in fold after some disciplinary problems, in the second half to inject zeal as his side eyed a much-needed equalizer.

Emam helped the Cairo side create several goalscoring chances but his childish temper got the better of him once again as he received a straight red card with two minutes remaining before the end of regular time.

The referee initially yellow-carded Emam for protesting against one of his decisions but the latter retaliated, stealing the card from the official's grasp and throwing it away.

He consequently received his marching orders before bursting into tears while on his way out of the pitch.

The match was stopped for several minutes after Zamalek fans, angry at what they considered unfair decisions from the referee, threw stones and bottles onto the pitch.

During the lengthy added time, Shikabala earned Zamalek a share of spoils just before the final whistle.

Tempers flared after the end, with TV cameras catching Zamalek players and football director Ibrahim Hassan running after opposing players.

Zamalek, who have not been defeated since losing 2-1 to Harras Hodoud in December, have 47 points from 25 games, six behind Ahli who have a game in hand.

With five matches remaining for Zamalek and six for Ahli, the Red Devils are firm favorites to win a sixth successive league title.

Absent Yasser

Zamalek struggled without the presence of in-form winger Hussein Yasser, who missed the game due to automatic suspension.

They had one decent chance in the first half through attacking midfielder Alaa Ali, who forced a fine save from Police keeper Mohamed Khalaf with a powerful shot.

Police took a surprising lead after 23 minutes to stun the home crowd.

Reda Al-Azab's free kick hit the wall and fell to the unmarked Al-Fayoumi, who was standing just behind the wall, to fire home from inside the area.

Zamalek poured forward but were repeatedly thwarted by a steadfast Police defense

Shikabala was unlucky not to level the score in the 53rd minute when Khalaf tipped his fierce drive onto the bar.

Zamalek left huge gaps at the back which Police could not exploit to miss out on the chance of putting the result beyond doubt.

Nigerian striker Minusu Buba broke clear of defense but his shot was blocked by Zamalek keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed while a last-ditch interception from full-back Ahmed Ghanem prevented Essam Abdul-Aati from doubling Police's advantage.

Emam's dismissal dealt a serious blow to the hosts' chances of grabbing the equalizer but Shikabala, who urged the fans to be calm during their vociferous protests and angry chants, came to their rescue.

He controlled Mahmoud Fathallah's flick before sending a superb left-footed half-volley past Khalaf in the 107th minute.