International ban for defiant Mido

Last updated : 08 February 2006 By Editor

Home supporters were reported to have chanted "Mido out" after the player had become entangled in a war of words with the national coach on the touchline after he was substituted in the second half of Egypt's ACN semi-final against Senegal.

Despite going on to reach Friday's final, the Egyptian press called for the striker to be left out for the rest of the tournament after showing such disrespect.

Mido apologised to supporters afterwards, but said: "I was angry when Shehata (the Egypt coach) decided to replace me. I was not that bad."

Mido had been banned from the national team once before. He had played for Roma within 24 hours of claiming he couldn’t take part in a World Cup qualifier in September 2004 owing to a groin problem.

He was recalled to the Egypt squad last March.

Source: The Guardian