Mido thrown out of Egyptian squad

By Matthew Kenyon
BBC Sport, Cairo

Mido and Hassan Shehata (right) had to be separated

Mido has been thrown out of Egypt's African Cup of Nations squad and told he will not be picked for six months after a row with coach Hassan Shehata.

The 22-year-old Tottenham striker had a heated pitch-side argument with Shehata after being substituted in Tuesday's semi-final win over Senegal.

Mido had to be dragged away by coaching staff after being substituted for Amr Zaki, who went on to score the winner.

Mido will now miss Friday's final when the hosts take on the Ivory Coast.

The team's preparations are far more important than any dispute between Shehata and Mido Assistant manager Shawki Gharib

The striker, who is on loan at Tottenham from Serie A Roma, said: "I was angry when Shehata decided to replace me.

"I was not that bad and if I had stayed on I would have scored a goal.

"I am sorry for the fans but I am not sorry for Shehata."

He was rushed back into the line-up after suffering a groin injury but Egyptian officials called a special meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the player's actions.

Shehata said: "Mido's reaction was irresponsible and shocking.

"The decision was made by the Egyptian Football Associaition board and all parties ahve to respect it."

Shehata's assistant Shawki Gharib said the Egyptians just want to concentrate on Friday's final.

He said: "The Egypt team does not just mean Mido. He is just one player in a squad of 23.

"Now we have to concentrate on the final and forget our problems. The important thing is what we are going to do in the final.

"The team's preparations are far more important than any dispute between Shehata and Mido.

"This issue will be handled by the coach and it is not for discussion."