adminAn Egyptian court released one of the nation’s top football figures, the Al-Masry coach Hossam Hassan on Saturday after he reconciled with a photographer whose camera he smashed during an on pitch brawl. As a player Hassan, now 49, helped Egypt to three continental African Cup of Nations crowns, and scored 69 times in a massive 176 international matches, although he was also known for his hot temper and frequent fights.
Hassan payed a fine of 500 Egyptian pounds ($56) and was released from Cairo’s Tora prison on Saturday, a security official said.
He was arrested after he chased down and beat a cameraman who worked for the interior ministry and also broke his camera after a scuffle between players of Al-Masry — the Port Said team Hassan coaches — and Ghazl el-Mahalla, following a 2-2 draw in a league match last week.
On Saturday, the Egyptian Football Association suspended Hassan from taking part in his club’s next three matches and fined him 10 000 Egyptian pounds (around 1 000 euros, $1 100).
The club was also fined 20 000 Egyptian pounds. — AFP
Bongani Ndlovu