حاتم ماهر

Would you please talk about football?

The build up to Egypt's crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Algeria has been marred by useless media discussions and verbal spats between both sides which will do them no favors.
الخميس، 05 نوفمبر 2009 - 19:13
The build up to Egypt's crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Algeria has been marred by useless media discussions and verbal spats between both sides which will do them no favors.

The rivalry is reaching its climax with no love lost between Egypt and their North African rivals.

Enthusiasm is never harmful and rivalries in football always produce exciting and memorable encounters but when media (in Egypt and Algeria) begin to cross the line then we have to be alert.

Footballing matters no longer interest newspapers and TV presenters, who keep stressing on how the opposition is rude despite the 'brother relationship' between Egypt and Algeria.

It is true that Algerian newspapers in particular played a major role in igniting the war of words through needless comments but the reaction of experienced Egyptian TV presenters lacked maturity.

Extremism can define their responses.

On one hand, the likes of Medhat Shalabi, Khaled Al-Ghandour and Mostafa Abdou broadcasted old videos showing Algerian people burning Egypt's flag to escalate the ongoing problems between both countries.

On the other hand, infamous presenter Ahmed Shobeir was on the verge of apologizing to Algerian people for no reason, because both sides should be blamed for the conflict.

I hardly found anyone talking about technical and tactical issues, which are more important now.

I like the TV campaigns which aim to further encourage Egyptians to support their beloved national team, this is what we really need now. We don't need to respond to any insults from Algeria.