An unplanned autograph moment with members of Egypt’s World Cup squad spiraled into a tense scene inside a Dallas hotel lobby after a member of the team’s coaching staff clashed with police officers.
Video from the lobby shows two members of Egypt’s staff in a heated exchange with officers as the fan interaction was broken up. Several outlets identified one of the men as assistant coach Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan.
The confrontation unfolded on Friday, just hours before Egypt were due to face Australia in their last-32 match. Dallas police later said the matter had been “resolved.”
In a statement, police said they later determined that some individuals were not properly displaying required credentials. “The situation was resolved on scene, and DPD met with representatives of the team to address their concerns,” the department said, adding that the issue has since been settled.
Local reports said the commotion began when Egyptian fans gathered inside the team hotel hoping to take photos with winger Hassan Trezeguet, prompting officers to step in and try to move the crowd along.
Footage appears to show assistant coach Ibrahim Hassan, twin brother of Egypt manager Hossam Hassan, arguing with officers before moving toward them
A Dallas police officer was seen shouting for Egyptian team officials to step back during the tense exchange
Ibrahim Hassan (left), twin brother of Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan (right), serves as an assistant coach with the national team
Ibrahim approached one of the fans before a police officer ordered him to step back.
Footage shows the situation quickly escalating, with officers pushing the assistant coach away as he shouts at them. At one point he can be heard yelling ‘don’t push me!’ before repeatedly swearing at the officers.
Other members of the Egyptian delegation then step in to separate the two sides and calm the situation.
The Daily Mail has sought comment from Team Egypt representatives.
This is not the only drama to happen off the pitch during the North American World Cup.
Team Egypt is seen taking a hydration break during Friday’s game with Ibrahim Hassan (left)
Just days ago a woman had to be rescued by a crane after becoming stuck on a fence while trying to break into a World Cup fan zone.
The Mexico supporter became trapped on the 13ft perimeter fence while attempting to sneak into the sold-out event. One image shows the woman clinging to the fence in daylight as people below try to help her down. They were, however, unsuccessful.
A picture taken later that night shows her suspended in a harness attached to a crane as firefighters carried out the rescue.
The incident unfolded as thousands gathered to watch Wednesday’s Round-of-16 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Monterrey’s Parque Fundidora, where all access points had been closed due to full capacity.
The woman tried to scale the metal barrier but became wedged halfway up. She soon realized she was unable to move forward or climb back down. Emergency services were called after several attempts to free her failed.
A telescopic crane was deployed to safely lower her from the top of the fence. Civil Protection and emergency teams coordinated the rescue without further incident, and the fan was able to leave the area following a quick checkup.
The authorities had urged fans to watch the Mexico vs Ecuador clash elsewhere such as at the Macroplaza, as reported by creatorzine.com.
As reported by local journalist Yadith Valdez , many green-clad Mexican soccer fans were seen trying to climb a fence to access the event, which had several giant TV screens for attendees
Soccer fans are seen pushing their way through a gate outside a fan fest in Monterrey
Fans run up a ramp after barging through an iron gate in Monterrey on Tuesday evening
The fan fest in Monterrey has been a popular attraction throughout the World Cup
As reported by local journalist Yadith Valdez, many green-clad Mexican soccer fans were seen trying to climb a fence to access the event, which had several giant television screens for the enormous expected crowd.
In one frightening scene, fans were seen barging their way through an iron gate. Meanwhile, in other areas, temporary fencing was seen mangled after gatecrashers had plowed their way through that barricade. The city’s newspaper, El Norte, reported that authorities launched pepper spray and tear gas to deter the young fans.
That response from law enforcement triggered a stampede, according to El Norte. Many attendees reportedly fell while others complained about the burning pepper spray.
Ultimately, park workers managed to close the metal doors.
The co-hosts defeated Ecuador 2-0 with first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, ending a 40-year knockout-stage drought.
They will now face England in the Round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on 5 July.
