TV talk shows imitated reality in Egypt last night, when a discussion on hooliganism turned into a real-life fight.
Journalist Ahmed Shobair and sports commentator Ahmed Al Tayeb were taking part in a debate on Elashera Masaqn, an evening show on Egyptian satellite TV, when they lost their composure and began attacking each other live on air. The fight started when Shobair threw a glass of water at Al Tayyeb, who then moved towards his opponent and began struggling with him.
#شوبير_بلطجي_وحرامي
— عمرو بالواو (@3MR_Ballowao) 29 May 2016
الخناقة بشكل مختلف pic.twitter.com/yPWkG4ID0b
Presenter Wael al-Ibrashi was able to do little more than ask for a break in the live broadcast, and later apologised to viewed for the scuffle.
On social media, however, the fight was not so easily forgotten. A few hours after the incident hashtags relating to it were trending as Egyptians complained of a poisonous and self-serving atmosphere in national media and sport.
— MAR TN (@1Martn2) 30 May 2016
يا بلد ابن الدكتور فيكى بيطلع دكتور .. وابن الوسخة يطلع #شوبير
Such a country! The son of a doctor becomes a doctor, the son of a bitch becomes #Shobair
Shobair said his attack had been justified by accusations Al Tayyeb made against his wife and daughter. He later headed to the police station, complaining of serious injuries to his face, back and testicles, according to al-Shorouk newspaper.
Football hooliganism is a inflammatory topic in Egypt. In 2012 more than 70 people were killed during a match between Cairo's Al Ahly and al-Masry football clubs, and more people were sentenced to death for the killings.
