Egypt boss Hossam Hassan explains his viral ‘X’ gesture, denies racism allegations and makes a surprise claim about Lionel Messi’s emotional reaction/ Image: AP

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has spoken out after his controversial “X” gesture during his side’s dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Argentina sparked widespread debate. The moment, directed towards referee François Letexier in stoppage time, quickly drew attention because it resembled UEFA’s official anti-racism reporting protocol used by players and staff to signal discriminatory abuse. With tensions high following a chaotic finish and a series of disputed decisions, the gesture became one of the most talked-about incidents of the match, prompting questions about its meaning and intent.

Hassan says gesture was aimed at the referee, not an allegation of racism

The flashpoint came in the closing stages of Egypt’s Round of 16 defeat after Argentina completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down.With emotions running high, television cameras captured Hassan crossing his forearms into an “X” shape while directing his frustration towards referee François Letexier. His twin brother and assistant coach, Ibrahim Hassan, immediately lowered his arms before the Egypt manager was shown a yellow card.Because the gesture has been used in professional football to report alleged racist abuse, including during Benfica’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid earlier this year, it quickly led to speculation over its intended meaning.Speaking after the tournament, however, Hassan firmly rejected that interpretation.“The gesture wasn’t racist,” Hassan said, as quoted by The Sun.“I was telling [the referee], ‘you’re not being fair’.”

Hassan reveals exchange with Lionel Messi

Hassan also shed light on his confrontation with Lionel Messi during the closing moments of the match.According to the Egypt coach, Messi questioned him immediately after the incident as tensions escalated on the touchline.“[Messi] came up to me and said, ‘why?’ Why? Why?’ And I don’t know what else,” Hassan said.“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.”The emotionally charged contest saw Argentina overturn a 2-0 deficit through goals from Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernández during a frantic 13-minute spell to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Egypt maintained officiating cost them the match

Despite clarifying the meaning of his gesture, Hassan has not softened his criticism of the officiating.Egypt believed they were denied several crucial decisions during the match, including the disallowing of Mostafa Ziko’s goal and what they felt was an unpunished foul on Mohamed Salah in the build-up to Enzo Fernández’s dramatic winner.Immediately after the defeat, Hassan suggested external pressure had influenced the officials.“We haven’t seen respect or fair play,” he said.“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.”The Egyptian Football Association later issued its own strongly worded statement, calling for FIFA to investigate what it described as “blatant errors” by the officiating team and demanding the removal of referee Letexier and his crew from the remainder of the tournament.

FIFA responded as disciplinary uncertainty remains

The accusations prompted a response from FIFA through Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina, who defended the integrity of the officials and dismissed suggestions that Argentina had received favourable treatment.Although Hassan has not yet faced disciplinary action over either his touchline behaviour or his post-match remarks, the matter has not been fully closed.According to The Athletic, FIFA intends to review potential disciplinary cases after the conclusion of the World Cup, following the same approach it adopted after the 2022 tournament.Hassan and Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko are among those who could still face sanctions for comments deemed to have brought the game into disrepute, while other figures, including Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji and England manager Thomas Tuchel, have also publicly criticised refereeing standards during the tournament.Hassan’s latest explanation, however, removes one aspect of the controversy. While Egypt continue to dispute the officiating that accompanied their heartbreaking elimination, the veteran coach insists the gesture that generated worldwide debate was never intended as an allegation of racism but rather a protest against what he believed was an unfair performance from the referee.

Didier Deschamps will mark a bittersweet record when he leads Les Bleus for the 27th and final time in a World Cup match on Saturday, after 14 years at the helm. But the bronze-medal tie in Miami is certainly not the sendoff he had hoped for to bring his time with France’s national team – their most successful yet – to a close.

“We’ve got another match in four days’ time, even if it’s not the one we were expecting. Tonight we’re very disappointed – in fact, we’re deeply disappointed,” Deschamps conceded after his side were outplayed and outsmarted by Spain in a gruelling semi-final loss at the Dallas Stadium.

Read moreSpain deliver masterclass to sink French Armada and reach World Cup final

France’s defeat – their third consecutive one at the hands of La Roja, after semi-final exits at Euro 2024 and the Nations League last year – provides an anticlimactic farewell for the 57-year-old, who announced last year that he would step down when his contract expired after the tournament.

Ironically, the chastening defeat comes as Deschamps’ swashbuckling France had begun to silence critics of his defensive-minded tactics, putting an abrupt end to their short-lived experiment in champagne football.

Winning, with the break pulled

Over the years, Deschamps has established a winning pedigree that speaks for itself, guiding France to back-to-back World Cup finals and clinching the famous golden trophy both as player (1998) and as coach (2018).

Success with Les Bleus followed a distinguished stint as club manager that saw him take AS Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final, guide Juventus back into Serie A immediately after their demotion in the Calciopoli scandal, and end Marseille’s 18-year wait for a French league title in 2010.

Eric Cantona once dismissively described him as a “water carrier”, but the label came to capture the qualities that defined Deschamps: discipline, intelligence, selflessness and an instinctive understanding of what winning teams required.

When he took the France job in July 2012, it was those qualities that helped him rebuild a team still reeling from the players’ strike that ended their dismal 2010 World Cup campaign.

To display this content from YouTube, you must enable advertisement tracking and audience measurement.

Accept


Manage my choices

One of your browser extensions seems to be blocking the video player from loading. To watch this content, you may need to disable it on this site.

Try again

And yet in the eyes of many fans of the beautiful game, Deschamps’ conservative approach had left a blemish on his extraordinary record. Why, the sceptics asked, be so timid with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé in your squads – not to mention Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and (on the few occasions he was called up) Karim Benzema.

With a lone World Cup title from six major tournaments, along with the inaugural Nations League in 2021, many had come to see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full, noting that the Deschamps era has been blessed with an extraordinary wealth of homegrown talent.

His critics finally got what they wanted as France went in with all guns blazing at this World Cup. Tuesday’s semi-final suggests the coach may have been right all along.

Vindicated in defeat?

After 14 years of pragmatic football, France’s risk-averse manager unleashed their full attacking potential for his last tournament at the helm, to the delight of French and other fans in awe of Les Bleus’ formidable armada of forwards.

At the start of the World Cup Bradley Barcola spoke of the joy players took from their newfound freedom on the pitch: “We get the ball, we do pretty much what we want, we don’t overthink things, and that’s how it works.”

It’s hard to think of a statement more at odds with Deschamp’s philosophy, typically a byword for discipline and control – the very things that deserted them against Spain.

Read moreFrance’s World Cup dream extinguished in chastening semi-final loss to Spain

France had but two weaknesses going into the match – at midfield and left-back. Both were ruthlessly exploited by La Roja, who bossed the midfield and repeatedly sliced through their opponents’ weaker flank, leaving Les Bleus’ much-vaunted attack disjointed, starved of the ball and bereft of ideas.

It was a grim final chapter for a coach whose sides had usually found a way, even when playing poorly.

“I do not want to throw away everything we have done,” Deschamps said after the defeat. “But in this match Spain showed they had something more.”

Deschamps’ critics had long argued that France’s extraordinary talent pool demanded more expansive football. His response had generally been the same: tournaments were won through adaptability, defensive resilience and an acceptance that style mattered less than survival.

In defeat, perhaps, came his final vindication.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

Official lineups for England-Argentina

England: Pickford – O’Reilly, James, Konsa, Guéhi – Rice, Bellingham, Anderson – Kane, Gordon, Saka.

Argentina: Martinez – Tagliafico, Romero, Martinez, Molina – Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez – Messi, Alvarez.

England have impressed throughout this tournament, reaching the semi-finals after their dramatic extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals. Jude Bellingham‘s brace proved decisive, cementing their status as genuine contenders. Thomas Tuchel’s side have combined attacking prowess with defensive solidity, establishing themselves as one of the competition’s elite sides.

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, have shown the resilience and experience expected of tournament favourites. Their dramatic extra-time triumph over Switzerland secured their passage. The Albiceleste’s attacking quality and tactical discipline have carried them through the knockout stages with their sights firmly set on retaining the trophy.

When Alyssa Thomas put a fist to the throat of Caitlin Clark, she was not punished in the immediate aftermath.

She ultimately was given a one-game suspension and a Flagrant 2 foul after the WNBA conducted a review, but that apparently was almost not the case.

According to the Sports Business Journal, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was not planning on suspending Thomas but was ultimately convinced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Caitlin Clark watches the action during the Indiana Fever’s highly anticipated matchup with the Las Vegas Aces. (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) ((Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images))

Engelbert was reportedly worried that a suspension for a play that was not called on the court was too harsh a penalty. However, Silver said there was evidence of a flagrant foul and implored Engelbert to hand down the punishment.

The outlet reported that the league operated under usual protocols for potential flagrant fouls. However, it also said Engelbert does not want to show favoritism toward Clark because of her popularity while also trying to “appease players who believe they’ve been overshadowed by” her. On the flip side, the SBJ said Engelbert has not been to an Indiana Fever game since Clark was drafted.

The WNBA told SBJ that the report is “absolutely false” – neither league immediately responded to an email from Fox News Digital.

HOST CLAIMS WNBA COMMISSIONER CATHY ENGELBERT CANCELED INTERVIEW AS CAITLIN CLARK CONTROVERSY MOUNTS

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a press conference prior to the NBA Japan Games 2019. (KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)

Silver told reporters on Tuesday that they will “have ongoing discussions about what the future looks like” regarding Engelbert’s role in the WNBA.

“I think Cathy continues to do a strong job building that league,” Silver said, citing her “tremendous progress.”

Clark has fallen victim to numerous hard fouls and boastful trash talk while being the clear face of the league. The Thomas incident prompted Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., to join a group of lawmakers to write a letter to Engelbert, saying she has a responsibility to ensure every player competes “in a safe and professional environment.”

The letter said “the face of your league” is subject to “repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence.” It concluded by urging the league to take stronger action.

“The league has an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes to pursue athletics, but that opportunity is undermined when its brightest stars are not adequately protected,” the letter reads. “Your fans deserve better, and so do the young girls who look to the WNBA as a model for excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity.”

Connecticut Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) fouls Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Clark recently went after the WNBA, saying it needs to do a better job of protecting its players both on and off the court. Thomas said she received death threats after the foul.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Ben Stokes has responded to criticism from England great Ian Botham with a tongue-in-cheek social media post after announcing his retirement from international cricket.Stokes, who retired from international cricket during the Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand last month, was the subject of a light-hearted remark from Botham on the Test Match Special podcast. Reflecting on Stokes’ retirement, Botham joked that the England captain had now joined an exclusive club. “As we know Michael Vaughan & I. We don’t know what we’re talking about. Couple of old has-beens. “Ben, if you’re listening congratulations you’ve joined the club. You’re now a has-been,” Botham said. Stokes quickly responded on X, referencing a famous quote often attributed to Botham himself. “The quote ‘It’s better to be a has-been than a never-been’ originates from Lord Ian Botham,” Stokes posted.

Ben Stokes post

The exchange comes shortly after Botham had publicly criticised Stokes following an incident in which the England captain and fast bowler Gus Atkinson breached the team’s midnight curfew while celebrating England’s victory in the first Test against New Zealand. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Botham questioned Stokes’ judgement and said he was disappointed by the episode, especially given the support he had previously shown the all-rounder during difficult moments in his career. “Some people just don’t learn, do they? It’s as simple as that. We as a club, when he had the problems in Bristol, we stood by Ben Stokes, and I stood by him as chairman, but I really can’t see how you can justify what happened after the game,” Botham said. Stokes retired as one of England’s greatest all-rounders, bringing down the curtain on a 15-year international career that included more than 250 appearances across formats and numerous memorable performances for his country.

Wide receiver Jordan Addison is one of the rare success stories for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s drafting, generally a waste land of missed picks and poor trades. The Vikings 1st-Round selection from 2023 may nevertheless be a demotion candidate.

At the very top of the position is Justin Jefferson — a top receiver in the NFL. Nobody is taking the WR1 crown off Jefferson’s head. Can the same be said for Mr. Addison as it relates to his job as Minnesota’s WR2? The presence of Jauan Jennings makes things dicier for the homegrown young fella who has sometimes gotten into trouble off the field.

Vikings 1st-Round Selection Faces True Challenger for WR2

If the desire is to get more physical and more unpredictable — the coaches say that’s the case, but talk is cheap — then leaning on Jennings makes a lot of sense.

He was referred to as a dirtbag by Kyler Murray at minicamp, a descriptor meant to highlight the grit, ruggedness, and compete within the receiver’s game. He can bulldoze defensive backs in a way that’s unique in the NFL. Accordingly, the Vikings can be a considerably more dangerous team when running the ball when operating out of 11 personnel: 1 running back, 1 tight end, and 3 receivers.

There’s a case to be made, though, for Jennings being the second receiver when Minnesota leans on 12 or 21 personnel. In these formations — ones that feature either a second running back or a second tight end — there are only a pair of receivers.

Jefferson claims one spot. Addison is the assumed option to run alongside Jefferson, but Jennings will have something to say about that seemingly foregone conclusion.

During the 2025 season, Jauan Jennings piled up 643 yards and 9 touchdowns within his 55 catches. Averaging 11.7 yards per catch is good but a touch below his career average of 12.3 yards. His longest catch of the season went for 42 yards and he averaged 3.3 yards after the catch. Jennings offered these statistics within fifteen games and within the context of the 49ers having some passer turmoil.

Meanwhile, Jordan Addison was putting together his most modest season as a pro. The reasons are twofold. To begin, there was his three-game absence due to suspension. He then had to sort through a horrendous quarterback situation, a reality that impacted everybody.

Addison had 42 catches for 610 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 14.5 yards-per-reception average is better than his career average: 13.7 yards. His longest catch went for 81 yards. So, too, did he offer a pair of runs, totalling 81 rushing yards and a touchdown. Like Jennings, Addison averaged 3.3 yards after the catch.

Consider those statistical details alongside what is known about these Vikings.

Recent seasons has featured a pile of 11 personnel. Last year, for instance, Minnesota was in that formation for close to 64% of their plays, coming in at tenth in the NFL. Back in 2024, the Vikings finished off at twenty-second in the NFL with a bit above 57% of the snaps being out of 11 personnel.

Advertisement

Where does the team land in the upcoming season?

If the football gods have mercy on the Vikings — not something that occurs very often — then Kevin O’Connell will finally figure out how to run the football. Doing so effectively will require a consistent commitment to moving the pigskin on the ground. Doing so effectively will be aided by being unpredictable and by blocking well.

Jennings can catch well and be a terrific blocker. Addison has the potential to be a very good receiver and just an average blocker. What that means for each player’s snap count remains to be seen, but insisting that Jennings only displaced Tai Felton on the depth chart can’t be assumed.

Jennings is a great football player who helps a team win even when the ball isn’t in his hand. Can Addison say the same?

Advertisement

Addison, 24, is moving into his fourth season as a pro. The Vikings picked up his 5th-year option, meaning he’s under contract for two more seasons. Jennings is operating on a single-season deal worth a maximum of $13 million.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, Sumer Sports, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.

---

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.