Zamalek star Mahmoud Abdel-Razek "Shikabala"
Zamalek star Mahmoud Abdel-Razek 'Shikabala' has officially apologised to the club's fans, the board and the coaching staff for his recent misbehaviour, insisting that he will accept any disciplinary action imposed on him. Zamalek are currently preparing to play their rivals Ahly in the second round of African Champions League group stage on 22 July.
The 26-year-old fell out of favour at Zamalek after an altercation with coach Hassan Shehata when the later substituted him during a CAF Champions League match in May.
Shehata submitted his resignation following the incident, but the board rejected it and decided to show the troublesome player the door.
"I apologise to the fans, the management, the coaching staff and also my teammates," Shikabala said in an official statement late on Tuesday.
"Shehata is like a father to me. I confess that I was under heavy pressure when we clashed.
"I will accept any disciplinary action by the club and I promise not to misbehave again," concluded the gifted star.
Since the incident, the player has been excluded from training. He was also dropped from the Pharaohs' squad for their World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns, as well as the Olympic team that is set to compete in the 2012 London Games.
This is another huge setback in Shikabala’s young career. The player is seen as one of Egypt's most important talents but he has been constantly hampered by his temper.
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