Egypt Manager Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Controversial ‘X’ Gesture — You Won’t Believe What It Means!
So, Egypt’s manager pulling the infamous ‘X’ gesture during their heartbreaker against Argentina — but wait, he wasn’t calling out racism? Nope, turns out it was a rather creative way of saying, “Ref, you’re wildly unfair!” Intrigue, controversy, and a dash of misunderstanding—welcome to the World Cup drama that’s been hotter than a Cairo summer. Egypt came this close to toppling the reigning champs, only for Argentina to snatch victory right at the death, sparking a frenzy of claims about refereeing bias and emotional outbursts (yes, even Messi got choked up). Makes you wonder: in a tournament swirling with passion and protest, how often do we mistake one gesture for a whole story? Buckle up—this saga is just heating up, especially with England and Argentina set for a blockbuster showdown. LEARN MORE
Egypt’s manager has revealed he didn’t throw up the ‘X’ gesture during his side’s defeat to Argentina because racism occurred.
The World Cup has been full of controversies but no match has been as feisty as Egypt’s exit at the hands of Argentina… at least until England take on the South Americans tonight.
England vs Argentina is an absolute blockbuster World Cup semi-final, but the reigning world champions came perilously close to being knocked out by Egypt in the last 16.
Argentina had come from two goals down to win the match in the dying moments, but Egypt were left feeling aggrieved, believing refereeing decisions had gone against them, leading to manager Hossam Hassan making an ‘X’ gesture with his arms.
Under UEFA regulations, an ‘X’ gesture is used when an accusation of racist abuse has been made and the game needs to come to a halt.
But Hassan was actually using it to express his frustrations with the referee.
The Egypt manager was furious with the referee
Hassan was booked (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Discussing the chaotic end to the thrilling match for the first time, Hassan has explained why he crossed his arms to make the ‘X’ gesture, while also claiming that Lionel Messi was emotional during the closing stages of the game.
“The gesture wasn’t racist. I was telling [the ref], ‘you’re not being fair,’” Hassan said, via The Sun.
“[Messi] came up to me and said: ‘Why?’ Why? Why?’ And I don’t know what else.
“It was one of the few times Messi got into arguments during a match. And he ended up crying because he was having a hard time emotionally.
“We were a very tough team and we put them in a difficult position. I tried not to respond to him and to avoid any verbal friction between us, out of respect for his career.”
Egypt were left enraged after feeling a series of refereeing decisions had gone against them in the ultimate defeat.
While 1-0 up, Mostafa Ziko saw a goal chalked off after VAR intervened to point out a foul on an Argentinian player had occurred in the build-up to the goal.
Then, when Enzo Fernandez headed in a 94th minute winner, Egypt felt that Mohamed Salah should have been given a penalty at the other end of the field before Argentina counterattacked.
Hassan launched a furious rant after the game and suggested Argentina were favoured by officials.
The manager said: “We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There seems to have been pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome.
“Life is unfair. The world is unfair. OK, but why isn’t there any fairness in sports?
“I’m not convinced by this outcome and by the way things unfolded in this match.
“The referee is unfair, God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs.
“He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is directed towards Argentina.”
Ziko was also left raging and claimed: “It was a rigged game.”
FIFA’s chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina disputed Egypt’s claims, saying: “Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport.”
“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.
“Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president.”
Egypt had gone two goals up through Yasser Ibrahim and Ziko, who did score a goal that stood shortly after his disallowed effort.
However, Argentina mounted a comeback through Christian Romero and Messi before Fernandez won the match at the death.
After defeating Switzerland in their quarter-final match, Argentina now face England in the semi-finals at 8pm on Wednesday.
1MORE Triple Driver in-Ear Earphones Hi-Res Headphones with High Resolution, Bass Driven Sound, MEMS Mic, in-Line Remote, High Fidelity for Smartphones/PC/Tablet - Silver
$68.99 (as of July 14, 2026 23:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
RIVER OF GOODS Mid-Century Modern Transitional LED Bronze Chrome Ceiling Fan - 52" L x 52" W - Rich Barnwood/Light Driftwood Fan Blades - Metallic Ceiling Fan with Light and Fabric Shade
(as of July 14, 2026 23:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Promixx FORM Protein Shaker Bottle - A Premium for Shakes Infusions and Hydration Durable Gym Bottle, Leakproof Lid, Odorless 26oz (Graphite Gray), (PRO-P-S2-760SHAKER-GGCG)
$17.48 (as of July 14, 2026 23:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
RIVER OF GOODS Alabaster LED Mesh Caged Ceiling Fan - 52" L X 52" W - White/Oak Wood-Grain Blades
(as of July 14, 2026 23:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment