Egyptian footballer Hussein El Shahat suspended and fined for slapping Moroccan Mohamed Chibi

The Egyptian Professional Football League (EPL) has announced the suspension of Hussein El Shahat for two matches, together with a fine of 20,000 pounds (almost 6,400 dirhams).

On Sunday, the Al-Ahly player physically assaulted Moroccan international Mohamed Chibi, playing for Pyramids FC, at the end of the match between the two teams (0-3) in the Egyptian Cup.

Widely shared on social networks since then, a video showed that after a brief verbal altercation, El Shahat, being a sore loser, slapped Chibi across the face, prompting team-mates to intervene.

Following the incident, Pyramids FC referred the matter to the Egyptian Football Federation’s disciplinary committee.

Later, a photo relayed by certain media indicated that the two players had reconciled after returning to the changing rooms, which the Moroccan footballer denied.

In a story shared on his Instagram account last night, Mohamed Chibi stressed that he had been called back to the entrance of his club’s changing room, before being taken by surprise in front of the cameras documenting an apologetic hug from the Al-Ahly winger, without having any say in the matter.

The Moroccan international’s version reveals a campaign of harassment to which he claims to have been subjected, long before this recent match.

In his publication, Mohamed Chibi stated that he had been “insulted, targeting [his] two parents, during the Super Cup match” played last May against the same Al-Ahly, in the United Arab Emirates.

He also confessed to having been harassed both morally and physically during that match, as well as the one on July 23, with several blows allegedly aimed at him in a systematic and deliberate manner.

“Before the incident on Sunday and before the slaps, there was a frank threat to break my ankle,” wrote the Pyramids FC player.

In view of the tensions, Mohamed Chibi expressed concern for his physical integrity as a sportsman and for his future as a professional footballer in the Egyptian League.