Striker Ahmed Hossam "Mido" issued a public apology to coach Hassan Shehata, Egyptian officials and fans for the incident that took place in Egypt's match against Senegal on Tuesday. "I apologize to coach Shehata for publicly questioning his decision to substitute me," Mido said in a phone call with an Egyptian Satellite TV show late on Tuesday night. "I also apologize to all the Egyptian football officials and fans," the 21-year-old striker said. Mido was involved in a heated discussion with Shehata for substituting him in the 78th minute of Egypt's 2-1 win over Senegal in the African Cup of Nations semi-final match. The Tottenham striker exchanged heated words with Shehata as he left the field and had to be seperated from the Egypt coach by captain Hossam Hassan at the touchline. Hassan also came to Mido's defense during the TV show noting that the young striker has a passion for Egypt and the fans. NO DISRESPECT MEANT Mido insisted he carries the utmost respect for his coach and that he was only surprised by his decision, noting that he did not slur Shehata. "All I did was ask him why he pulled me out," Mido said. "I was upset because I felt I could still perform and I didn't want to be substituted, but I did not insult Shehata!" Shehata's substitution proved accurate when Amr Zaki scored on his first touch of the ball after replacing Mido. "He is not only my coach, but he is a father figure too," the former Ajax and Roma ace added. AFRICAN CAMPAIGN MORE IMPORTANT
Mido arguing with Shehata at the touchline Mido had earlier refused to to acknowledge his mistake in a phone interview with Egyptian TV Show "Al-Bayt Baytak" (Make Yourself At Home) after the match. However, under persuasion from "Al-Koora Ma'a Dream" (Football with Dream) host Ahmed Shobeir the Spurs forward made it clear he wants to make ammends with Egyptian fans. Shobeir, who is also the Egyptian FA's vice-president and a former international goalkeeper, hinted to Mido that he had to make an apology and the player complied. He insisted that Egypt's African title campaign was more important than the altercation that happened between him and Shehata, which he felt was blown out of proportion. "We have a final game to play in 48 hours," said Mido. "Please, forget about Ahmed Hossam and concentrate on the national team, because I am." The young star, who failed to make an impact in Tuesday's match upon his return from injury, insisted he came to Egypt on a "national duty". "I left my paying job (playing for Tottenham) to come and put a smile on the face of the Egyptian people, and that's what I want to do." PUNISHMENT AWAITS MIDO Whether Shehata accepts Mido's apology or not is yet to be known, but the player could be facing a harsh punishment if proven guilty of misconduct. "If he is found guilty and that his behavior has no acceptable explanation, Mido will be subject to a tough punishment that will be an example for anybody who thinks of similar behavior in the future," EFA president Samir Zaher told reporters after the incident. Egypt will face Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations final at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
