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Mido banished from Egypt squad

Mido has a reputation as a belligerent player and has courted controversy throughout his short career
Mido has a reputation as a belligerent player and has courted controversy throughout his short career

Tottenham striker Mido will miss Friday's African Nations Cup final against Ivory Coast after being expelled from the national squad following a row with coach Hassan Shehata.

The 22-year-old has been suspended from international duty for six months after exchanging angry words on the touchline with Shehata having been substituted during the 2-1 semi-final victory over Senegal last night.

Mido, who is on loan at White Hart Lane from Roma, had to be dragged away by coaching staff but Shehata's decision proved correct as the Spurs striker's replacement Amr Zaki scored the winner.

Shehata's assistant Shawki Gharib played down the row, saying: "The Egypt team does not just mean Mido. Mido is just one player in a squad of 23.

"Now we have to concentrate on the final and forget our problems. The important thing is what we are going to do in the final.

"The team's preparations are far more important than any dispute between Shehata and Mido.

"This issue will be handled by the coach and it is not for discussion."

Mido had returned to the Egypt side for the clash with Senegal after missing the quarter-final defeat of Democratic Republic of Congo with a groin injury.

The Mido row was not the only controversy to emanate from the match as Senegal cried foul after the game following what appeared to be a trip by Ibrahim Said on West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara inside the area in injury time.

Cameroonian referee Divine Evehe appeared to initially point to the spot before changing his mind and awarding a goal kick.

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