The former Egypt international lost his temper during the 2-0 defeat at Algiers, where he insulted the referee, assaulted the fourth official and made an improper gesture towards the home crowd.

Video evidence condemned the 42-year-old, who replied saying that his behavior came in response to the hostile atmosphere at Stade de l'Unite Maghrebine.

"I am totally convinced with what I have done, I do not regret my acts, I will not apologize and I am insistent on my stance," Hassan told Mehwar TV show 90 Minutes.

"Every action has a reaction, and I had to react to the intimidations we faced in Algeria. We tried to tell the officials about what the home fans were doing, but no one listened.

"When I hit the fourth official, I was trying to defend myself because he held my finger firmly and was about to break it!

"The fans threw missiles on us, a player was seriously injured and we also had to treat a staff member, who was caught by fire."

Hassan will go under investigation, along with twin brother Hossam, by the Egyptian FA, who imposed an indefinite ban on the duo.

Hossam Hassan was also sent off for protesting during the North African Cup match.

Watch Hassan's actions