Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has found himself at the center of global debate after reportedly receiving a yellow card for making FIFA’s official anti-racism gesture during Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Argentina.
During the match, Hassan crossed his arms in an “X” shape, the signal introduced by FIFA to report alleged racist abuse. Under FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, the gesture is intended to alert the referee to a possible racist incident and trigger the governing body’s three-step procedure, which can include temporarily stopping the match while the matter is investigated.
Instead, reports indicate that French referee François Letexier booked the Egypt coach with a yellow card while allowing the match to continue, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism and heated discussion across social media.
The referee’s performance came under even greater scrutiny after the final whistle. Throughout more than 90 minutes of action, Letexier did not show a single card during normal play. However, moments after Argentina secured a 3-2 victory, he issued six cards to members of the Egyptian delegation in quick succession, including a red card to a member of the coaching staff and a yellow card to an Egyptian substitute who was not on the pitch.
The incident has added to the growing controversy surrounding the match, which was already overshadowed by disputed officiating decisions, including the disallowing of an Egyptian goal that many supporters believe should have stood.
Speaking after the match, a visibly frustrated Hossam Hassan questioned the officiating and expressed disappointment over how the alleged incident was handled, insisting that his gesture was intended to report possible racist abuse in line with FIFA’s established protocol.
The events have triggered intense reactions from football fans, particularly across Africa, with many calling for FIFA to review both the alleged racist incident and the referee’s decisions during and after the match.
