Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan gestured with an ‘X’ toward referee Francois Letexier near the conclusion of his team’s 3-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup round of 16.
The Pharaohs had initially established a two-goal lead within the first 67 minutes, courtesy of strikes from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko. However, Argentina launched a fightback with goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and ultimately, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez sealed the comeback for Argentina in the 92nd minute by heading the ball into the bottom right corner from 12 yards out, securing their spot in the quarterfinals. Egyptian players fiercely argued that a foul had occurred during the play leading to Messi’s equalizing goal, particularly since one of their own goals had been disallowed earlier for a foul during the buildup.
And emotions ran high on the sidelines near the end of the match in Atlanta, prompting referee Letexier to issue a yellow card to a member of the Egyptian coaching staff in the 98th minute.
It was during this moment that Hassan, the Egyptian manager, crossed his arms to form an ‘X’ at the official. While this specific signal is frequently utilized to signal alleged racial discrimination, it remains uncertain if that was his explicit intention.
Back in 2010, Jose Mourinho, who was coaching Inter Milan at the time, made a comparable ‘X’ sign that was interpreted as an ‘offensive expression’ aimed at a referee because it simulated handcuffs, resulting in a three-game suspension.
After Hassan made the gesture, an Egyptian substitute stepped in, followed by his brother and assistant coach Ibrahim, who approached to lower Hassan’s arms.
Letexier then engaged in an extended conversation with both the manager and coach, during which Ibrahim gave the official a thumbs-up before walking back to the field. It remains unknown if any additional disciplinary measures were taken.
During his post-game media briefing, Hossam Hassan questioned journalists: “Why isn’t there any fairness in sport? In football?
“I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording. We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice.”
He additionally asserted that Egypt had protested the appointment of the French official Letexier prior to the game, and declared that he intends to boycott watching the rest of the World Cup.
“It is my own way of speaking up and standing up,” he stated. “I am not going to watch a single match of this tournament.
