Egyptian football legend faces flogging after insulting fan on Twitter

The 36-year-old has since been sacked as coach of club Al-Wehda after abusing the supporter on social media, sources said.

Trouble started after a fan wrote to him on social media after Al-Wehda’s latest 4-0 defeat to rivals Al-Nassr in the Saudi league.

“Please, resign from your rule as Al Wehda coach, we understand your coaching style, but it is not helpful, it is better for you to be pundit, your words is good, but as coach you are not so well,” tweets the fan.

Mido allegedly replies: “pu**y of your aunt’s mother”.

The ex-striker denied responsibility for the abusive Twitter post despite it being sent from his verified account and insisted his page had been hacked.

He says: “I respect the decision of the board, but my account was hacked and I’m going to use all my legal tools to prove it.”

In Saudi Arabia, it’s an offence under the law of the strict Islamic kingdom to publicly insult a Saudi national. Punishment for such a crime has previously been flagellation.

A club source reportedly tells The Sun yesterday: “Saudi law has made it clear that using social media to insult or threaten someone will end in punishment.

“Saudi newspapers have written that anyone found guilty for insulting a Saudi national will receive a punishment of 10 floggings.

“The club stepped in before any fan went to the Saudi police and had him arrested. He is still in danger of punishment.” Since his appointment in January, Mido helped the team in 13 matches, winning six, losing four and drawing three.

In a statement, Mido says: “Thanks to Al-Wehda board and thanks to the fans.

“I held the responsibility in tough conditions and with the support of God, the board, the players’ dedication, the technical, the administrative and the medical staff I was able to lead the team to outstanding performance and results which were hailed by everyone.”