The man, who called himself Ahmed Emad, initially distributed a leaflet among the spectators to voice his desire to play with Zamalek before invading the pitch to confront Hassan.

"I'm eager to be part of the Zamalek team. I believe that I'm talented and good enough for that," he wrote.

"I want to show you my skills and play with the greatest team in Egypt.

"I hope the board of directors and chairman Mamdouh Abbas will seriously consider my request."

The training session was halted for 15 minutes as a result until security personnel managed to drive the man out of the pitch.

Zamalek are enjoying a fine run of form under Hassan, who turned around their fortunes after replacing Frenchman Henri Michel earlier in the season.

They faced the unthinkable prospect of being relegated to the second division prior to Hassan's arrival.

The Cairo giants now lie second in the table, six points behind leaders and arch-rivals Ahli who have a game in hand.