Mohamed Salah was targeted with dozens of lasers before missing his penalty in a shootout defeat to Senegal in the World Cup qualifiers
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| Lasers directed towards Mohamed Salah as he poses to take his spot-kick against Senegal in the World Cup qualifiers |
FIFA has fined Senegal's football federation £143,000 for disgraceful fan behaviour after dozens of green lasers were beamed into the face of Egypt 's Mohamed Salah as he prepared to take a spot kick during a penalty shootout.
The star was targeted in the World Cup qualifier at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium outside Dakar, the capital of Senegal, on March 29, following an 1-1 draw between the two countries, over two legs.
Unsurprisingly, the Liverpool forward blasted his kick over the bar with TV pictures revealing his face illuminated by vivid green light. Salah's club team mate, Sadio Mane put Senegal through to the World Cup finals in Qatar, when he tucked away his kick.
Bitter recriminations followed the game, with the Egyptian Football Association claiming the Pharaohs were targeted by thugs throughout the second leg of the playoffs.
The Egypt FA said its players were abused and pelted with missiles during the warm up and again as they left the pitch at full time, with security guards having to protect Salah.
They also claimed their team bus was attacked on the way to the stadium, which is about 20 miles from the capital.
World football governing body FIFA has now said its disciplinary committee has investigated the lasers, a pitch invasion by Senegal fans, an offensive banner and the national federation's 'failure to ensure that law and order are maintained in the stadium'.
As well as the fine, Senegal was also ordered to play a future competitive game in an empty stadium.
Nigeria was also punished with a £125,000 fine and a one-game stadium closure following its fans pitch invasion in Abuja after the Super Eagles were eliminated at home by Ghana in their playoff.