EGYPT boss Hossam Hassan says he did not make an anti-racism gesture during his side’s World Cup defeat to Argentina last week – but Lionel Messi was left in tears.
The South American giants bounced back from a two-goal deficit to and book their place in the quarter-finals.
Hossam Hassan has insisted he was not making an anti-racism gesture against Argentina Credit: Getty
Lionel Messi was in tears soon after a bust-up with the Egypt boss Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
And there was a flashpoint late in the showdown when Hassan, 59, appeared to following an argument with Messi.
The Egyptian chief was spotted crossing both his arms and ended up being shown a yellow card by referee Francois Letexier.
But Hassan has now broken his silence and insisted he was not making an accusation of discrimination, while claiming was emotional following their bust-up.
The former Jordan boss said: “The gesture wasn’t racist. I was telling [the ref], ‘you’re not being fair’.
“[Messi] came up to me and said, ‘why?’ Why? Why?’ And I don’t know what else.
“It was one of the few times got into arguments during a match. And he ended up crying because he was having a hard time emotionally.
“We were a very tough team and we put them in a difficult position. I tried not to respond to him and to avoid any verbal friction between us, out of respect for his career.”
Hassan and Egyptian striker Mostafa Zico on ref Letexier after their World Cup hopes ended in brutal fashion.
Hassan hit out at referee Francois Letexier following his side’s World Cup exit Credit: AFP
They had a goal chalked off and were not awarded a spot-kick even though Liverpool legend appeared to be brought down in the build-up to Argentina’s winner.
Hassan ranted: “We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There seems to have been pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome.
“Life is unfair. The world is unfair. OK, but why isn’t there any fairness in sports?
“I’m not convinced by this outcome and by the way things unfolded in this match.
“, God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs.
“He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is directed towards Argentina.”
Egypt took a shock lead through Yasser Ibrahim and their hopes of a stunning upset increased when keeper Mostafa Shobeir , 39.
Having had an earlier goal disallowed, Zico then doubled the underdogs’ advantage.
But Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez broke Egyptian hearts with their late efforts.
Argentina then went on to and will face England in a thrilling World Cup semi-final tomorrow.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
