'Suffered an injustice': Egypt coach blasts referee in dramatic World Cup exit to Argentina

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan launched a scathing attack on the refereeing after his team's dramatic 3-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup round of 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday. Hassan said his team 'suffered an injustice' and was treated unfairly.

Egypt held a 2-0 lead until the 79th minute, when Argentina's Cristian Romero scored. Lionel Messi equalized four minutes later, and Enzo Fernandez grabbed the winner two minutes into stoppage time.

Hassan objected to several decisions by referee Francois Letexier of France. A goal that would have put Egypt 2-0 up was disallowed after a VAR review. Egypt also wanted a penalty check for a hard tackle in the box late in stoppage time, but no review was conducted.

'I'm not convinced with this outcome. I'm not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match,' Hassan said. 'We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice.'

Hassan revealed that Egypt had objected to Letexier being appointed as referee, citing his 'background'. Nine minutes into added time, Hassan was shown a yellow card for protesting the lack of a VAR review.

'I was just saying this is unfair. I was saying maybe he's carrying a scar,' Hassan said. 'Maybe he has something to hide. Whoever has something to hide sometimes fails to hide what he is hiding.'

Letexier also issued a red card to a member of Hassan's coaching staff. By the end of the match, Egypt had received five yellow cards while Argentina had none.

Hassan questioned the noon start time in Atlanta, calling it unsuitable for football. 'You never schedule a football match for 12pm, at noon,' he said.

He vowed not to watch any other match of the tournament and praised his players, saying they did not get what they deserved despite being 'better in everything' compared to the defending champions.