Egypt boss' gesture explained after Mohamed Salah steps in during World Cup controversy

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesFIFA World CupEgypt's game against Argentina at the World Cup ended in controversy, with Mohamed Salah stepping in as his manager repeatedly made a gesture towards the referee late onEgypt boss Hossam Hassan repeatedly made the same gesture after Argentina's winner in the World Cup last-16 game(Image: Getty Images)Egypt boss Hossam Hassan has hit out at the “injustice” against his side after Argentina’s comeback victory in the last-16 encounter at the World Cup, with Mohamed Salah having been forced to step in as his manager repeatedly made a gesture towards the referee.Salah’s World Cup dream was ended as his country was unable to hold off a remarkable comeback from the defending champions, with Lionel Messi among the scorers as Argentina came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.The game ended in controversy though, with Egypt left furious after Salah was clipped by Messi in the penalty area, with Argentina going on to score the winner at the other end through Enzo Fernandez.One of Egypt’s coaches was sent off for his protests, while manager Hassan was shown a yellow card after repeatedly crossing his arms above his head in the shape of an ‘X’. Salah stepped in to separate his boss from referee Francois Letexier as the incident threatened to boil over.The symbol made by Hassan is actually FIFA’s approved “No Racism Gesture”, which became part of the protocol at all of the organisation’s tournaments back in 2024.A guide on FIFA’s website says: “By crossing their hands at the wrists, players can signal directly to the referee that they are being targeted by racist abuse, prompting the referee to start the three-step procedure.”Mohamed Salah stepped in as Egypt boss Hossam Hassan argued with the referee(Image: Getty Images)The procedure is then supposed to see the referee decide whether or not to stop the game, with an announcement made at the stadium to explain the halt.

If the incident continues once the game restarts, the referee can then choose to suspend or abandon the game.It’s not yet clear why Hassan made the gesture, although he went on tell reporters that his team had been “treated unfairly” and “suffered injustice” (as per The Telegraph’s Sam Dean).Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Hassan went on to claim that the result had been influenced by “internal” and “external” factors, and that Egypt had objected to the selection of Letexier as the referee."Why isn't there any fairness in sport?

We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice,” Hassan said.He went on to add that he would not watch any of the rest of the World Cup, saying: "It is my own way of speaking up and standing up.