DALLAS — Egypt’s national football team said a Dallas police officer pushed team director Ibrahim Hassan and player Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” during an interaction with a fan at the team’s hotel on Friday, while the Dallas Police Department said the incident stemmed from a credentials issue and was resolved at the scene.
The incident occurred before Egypt’s Round of 32 match against Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Dallas, according to local media.
Egypt national team media officer Mohamed Morad said a man and his son approached Hassan and Trezeguet to request a photograph.
“A man and his son went to take a photo with Ibrahim Hassan and Trezeguet, and the national team’s director approved the request,” Morad told Reuters.
Morad said a security officer intervened and pushed the fan, Trezeguet and Hassan, even though the player and team director were in their designated area.
“Ibrahim then asked the security officer to deal with the fan in a normal manner,” Morad said.
The Dallas Police Department said it responded to the team hotel after hotel security reported that an individual without event credentials was attempting to gain access.
In a statement posted on social media, the department said officers later determined that the individuals involved were not displaying their credentials properly, as required.
“The situation was resolved on scene, and DPD met with representatives of the team to address their concerns,” the statement said. “The matter has since been resolved.”
