Egypt FA accuses Senegal fans of racism after dramatic World Cup playoff

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 1057 GMT (1857 HKT) March 30, 2022

Senegal's players celebrate during a penalty shootout against Egypt.

(CNN)The Egyptian Football Association has claimed its men's national team was subject to racism during a defeat in its FIFA World Cup playoff match against Senegal on Tuesday.

In a statement on Instagram, the governing body said its players, particularly captain Mohamed Salah, were targeted with abuse from Senegalese fans in Diamniadio, Senegal.It also accused Senegal supporters of attacking and damaging the team bus. «The Egyptian team was subjected to racism after offensive banners appeared in the stadium stands against the players, specifically against Mohamed Salah, the team leader,» the statement read, which was accompanied with pictures of the incidents. Christian Eriksen scores with first touch for Denmark upon return to international football after cardiac arrest«The crowds also terrorized the players by throwing glass and rocks at them during the warm-up process. Read More»Additionally, the Egyptian mission's buses were attacked, causing their windows to break, injuring and wounding some, which was documented with photos and videos that were taken and risen with the complaint." Egypt said it was filing an official complaint against the Senegalese FA, which has not responded to CNN's request for comment. World football's governing body FIFA was not immediately available when asked for comment by CNN, and neither was the Confederation of African Football — the continent's governing body. Mohamed Salah had lasers pointed in his face as he took a penalty. In a repeat of the Africa Cup of Nations final two months ago, Senegal beat Egypt on penalties as the two teams battled for a place