Majdi Abdelghany criticises Hussein Ammouta after Al Ahly substitution incident

Al Ahly and Egypt legend Majdi Abdelghany has criticised Hussein Ammouta after the Moroccan coach appeared to react angrily to Ali Mahmoud during the 1-1 draw with Al Mokawloon Al Arab in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday.

Mahmoud was substituted during the match and attempted to shake Ammouta’s hand as he left the pitch. The gesture appeared to anger the coach, who rebuked the player before pushing him forcefully in a moment that prompted considerable debate.

Speaking on Thursday’s edition of Masa’ Al Anwar, presented by Medhat Shalaby on MBC Masr 2, Abdelghany questioned Ammouta’s reaction and said the coach needed to understand the temperament of Egyptian players.

“I do not know why Ammouta is so angry with us,” Abdelghany said. “He has to understand the nature of Egyptians. If there had been a major star, or if I had been in Ali Mahmoud’s position, the matter would not have passed peacefully.”

Asked what he would have done in the same situation, Abdelghany replied: “I would have done what needed to be done. One of the coaches spoke to me in an inappropriate way and hit me when I was a player, so I hit him.”

Abdelghany also addressed the pressure facing Ammouta in his current role. Although he acknowledged the demands placed on managers, he said coaches had to remain composed, particularly when working in another country.

“The coaching profession involves a great deal of pressure, which is why I did not work in it,” he said. “A coach must keep his composure, and when you are a stranger, you must behave courteously.”

He then argued that Ammouta’s conduct was placing unnecessary strain on the players, who could become anxious about provoking another outburst.

“If I went to coach in Morocco, for example, would I express my anger in this way?” Abdelghany said. “Ammouta is not facing the technical problems and shortcomings, while the players are feeling tense and under pressure. That causes them injuries because they are afraid of the coach’s reactions.”

The incident involving Ammouta and Mahmoud came after Al Ahly were held to a draw by Al Mokawloon Al Arab, with the match ending 1-1.