Egypt and Ahly striker Emad Meteb has been sentenced to six months in jail and a fine of LE20,000, over an incident with a police officer in Cairo.
Meteb got into an argument with a police officer last April when he refused to remove his illegally parked car. The exchange escalated quickly when the Egypt international striker threatened the police officer with a gun.
The 31-year-old was released on bail after being detained back then.
The sentence came in absentia as the player didn't show up in court on Thursday.
His lawyer Hesham Abd-Rabou told reporters that they were stunned by the verdict as they had already reached a settlement out of court with the officer on Tuesday night in presence of Ahly's football director Wael Gomaa.
He added that they will appeal the court's decision and present the settlement documents.
Emad Meteb, who has 67 international caps, helped Egypt win the 2006, 2008 and 2010 African Cup of Nations titles.
He was Egyptian Premier League top scorer in 2004-05, and was named best striker in Africa in 2005 and second best striker in 2006.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: