Egypt FA respond after national team staff involved in ugly incident with American police ahead of Australia clash
Egypt's preparations for the World Cup last 32 clash with Australia has been marred by an ugly incident with police in the team's hotel.
The Pharaohs take on Australia in Arlington, Texas on Friday and arrived in their hotel on Thursday in line with FIFA tournament rules.
But tensions boiled over in the hotel lobby, with members of Egypt's staff involved in a situation with police officers.
In footage which circulated online, a young fan was taking a picture with Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, the former Aston Villa star known as 'Trezeguet'.
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A police officer came over and within seconds tempers flared as they became involved in a verbal altercation where the officer appeared to push a member of the Egypt coaching staff.
Egypt assistant manager Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of coach Hossam Hassan, was furious and had to be restrained by Trezeguet and fellow Egypt staff members.
He appeared to shout "F**k you" in the direction of the officer.
The police officer had repeatedly shouted "back off" while pushing and at one point looked to reach for something in his back pocket.
Eventually the situation was diffused and thankfully did not progress beyond pushing and shoving.
According to Voice of Emirates, the Egyptian Football Association issued a statement on their Media Center where they said an Egyptian child was pushed by a member of security while trying to take a photo.
They added that Hassan immediately intervened and was involved in a minor verbal altercation with an officer but that proceedings were resolved quickly as they called reports of a more serious situation "completely unfounded".
That account was also shared by an Egyptian journalist who was present. Belal Elsisi said it was a "natural reaction" and that he "made sure to intervene to retaliate".
Egypt manager gives Mo Salah update ahead of World Cup clash
Egypt's hopes of progressing to the round of 16 may hinge on their talisman Mo Salah, who had to be substituted with an injury issue in the 1-1 draw Iran last time out.
He will no doubt be desperate to return for Egypt's first ever World Cup knockout fixture and trained as normal in the build-up.
However, Hassan has admitted he is unsure whether he will be fit to start from the off.
"Salah is a passionate player and he is very much looking forward to making his own contribution," Hassan said in his press conference.
"I'm not going to run any risk unless I'm 100% sure he is fit and raring to go tomorrow.
"We look forward to him playing tomorrow, but we're not sure if he's going to be in the starting lineup."
The winner of the Texas meeting will likely play Argentina in the round of 16 on Tuesday should they get past Cape Verde as expected.
Topics: Egypt, FIFA World Cup
Josh Lawless