Al Ahly midfielder Ali Mahmoud explains Hussein Ammouta touchline incident

Al Ahly midfielder Ali Mahmoud has denied any dispute with manager Hussein Ammouta after a post-substitution exchange during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with El Mokawloon El Arab sparked controversy.

Mahmoud was replaced in the second half of the Egyptian Premier League match. The former Enppi player shook hands with football director Wael Gomaa before approaching Ammouta, who appeared angry. The manager pulled Mahmoud towards him, spoke to him and then pushed him with both hands.

The incident prompted criticism of Ammouta, including from former Al Ahly goalkeeper and media personality Ahmed Shobier.

“After Ali Mahmoud went off yesterday, I was watching the match on television until the videos reached me later that night and I saw what happened with Ammouta,” Shobier said.

“At first, I honestly thought Ali was at fault. I thought he must have done or said something because I saw Hussein Ammouta push him. I was asking myself: ‘Why would Ali do that when he knows the rules at Al Ahly and is still a young player?’

“Then I became certain, without any doubt, that the boy had done absolutely nothing.”

Mahmoud subsequently responded to the debate and offered his own account of what happened in a story posted on his Instagram account.

“What people are saying about Hussein Ammouta is completely different from what actually happened,” Mahmoud wrote.

“When I left the pitch, I was upset and frustrated. I wanted to stay on and help my team-mates win. He noticed that I was particularly unhappy and wanted to reprimand me with a little more passion because we are all one family.

“At the same time, the atmosphere was tense and we all wanted to win.”

Mahmoud said Ammouta’s message was focused on the team rather than the individual.

“All he said was that we all had to think about the team and not about ourselves,” he added. “He said it passionately, like a father giving his son a stronger telling-off.

“The matter ended immediately. To be honest, the man is extremely respectful. I never felt that he was overstepping the mark or belittling anyone. Unfortunately, people judged the situation by its appearance without knowing the truth.

“For anyone who does not know him, this man is very respectful.”

Al Ahly have 10 points and sit third in the Egyptian Premier League table after four matches. They have won three games and drawn one.