Alaa offers apology for incident with cameraman

Mahmoud Alaa

Wednesday May 24, 2023. 14:16

Al Ittihad defender Mahmoud Alaa has issued an apology for his unsporting behaviour after being sent off in the 2-1 defeat to Al Masry on Monday.

The 32-year-old centre-back, who is on a season-long loan from Egyptian Premier League rivals Zamalek, received his marching orders in the 89th minute for sarcastically applauding the referee when he was blown up for a foul.

Alaa had already been booked in the 72nd minute and reacted furiously after the match official brandished a second yellow card and subsequent red, protesting the decision in vain.

The Egypt international was visibly distraught as he left the field of play and struck out at a pitch-side camera on his way towards the dressing room.

Alaa has since taken to social media to express regret for his actions, insisting he will take full responsibility for any damage caused in the incident with the cameraman.

“I must inform you that what I’ve done yesterday during the Ittihad and Al Masry match towards the cameraman was completely out of my control, and I offer my apologies and have full respect for him,” the player said on Instagram.

“I am strongly committed to fixing what I have done and to being at the best of your expectations, and I apologise once again for this mistake.”