Hassan upset with Mido ban

CAIRO – Hothead Egypt striker Mido should not have rowed with team coach Hassan Shehata but his instant six-month ban is too harsh, his Egyptian team mates said on Wednesday.

Mido will miss tonight’s African Nations Cup final against Ivory Coast after his furious exchange with Shehata at being substituted 12 minutes from the end of Tuesday’s 2-1 semi-final win over Senegal. Striker Hossam Hassan, who had to restrain Mido during his altercation with Shehata, told reporters: “My own feeling is that the decision was out of proportion.We needed Mido in this game.”I have known him since we were kids, he’s just eager to play,” said 39-year-old Hassan, one of the most revered figures in African football.”He tried to apologise for what happened but the FA people made the problem bigger.Mido is not the only one to lose out – it’s the whole team, the fans and the Egyptian football federation.”People might think I’m wrong but I’ve seen that happen with other big players who got upset.We’ve made a problem for ourselves and I’m not happy with this decision.”Shehata was vindicated by his decision to replace the Tottenham Hotspur striker in the 78th minute as substitute Amr Zaki headed the winner just three minutes later.”Mido is a guy who plays with his heart,” said Hassan.-Nampa-AFPStriker Hossam Hassan, who had to restrain Mido during his altercation with Shehata, told reporters: “My own feeling is that the decision was out of proportion.We needed Mido in this game.”I have known him since we were kids, he’s just eager to play,” said 39-year-old Hassan, one of the most revered figures in African football.”He tried to apologise for what happened but the FA people made the problem bigger.Mido is not the only one to lose out – it’s the whole team, the fans and the Egyptian football federation.”People might think I’m wrong but I’ve seen that happen with other big players who got upset.We’ve made a problem for ourselves and I’m not happy with this decision.”Shehata was vindicated by his decision to replace the Tottenham Hotspur striker in the 78th minute as substitute Amr Zaki headed the winner just three minutes later.”Mido is a guy who plays with his heart,” said Hassan.-Nampa-AFP