After being highly criticized for his method of protesting a referee’s call, the Portuguese coach of Egyptian champion Al Ahli has apologized.
“After analyzing my reaction … I found out that it was inappropriate and I apologize to all fans in general and to Al Ahli’s fans in particular,” Manual Jose said. “I forgot at that moment that I was in a country whose traditions are a little bit different than my country.”
With his team well en route to a 4-0 win over Haras el-Hodoud, Jose objected to the yellow-carding of midfielder Anis Boujelbene by disrobing. He was ejected by the referee.
“I was out of words, so I thought that I’d just gesture my feelings,” Jose added.