After agreeing a three-year-deal with the Robins, Meteb represented Ahli against Zamalek in a Champions League tie which was supposedly his farewell game.

However, City officials were discontented to see him on the pitch and eventually decided not to proceed further in the deal.

"If people have as big an influence on Meteb as it looks, it could become difficult as we play a 50-game season," Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol.

"A couple of other things happened as well, and we weren't happy with that.

"The player was very disappointed that he got railroaded into the game - that's what he says.

"We were making a big investment of £1.5m plus a good salary, and we were having to bring an Egyptian to England and he was going to have to change his lifestyle.

"From what I saw and heard and what was going on, I felt that he may not be able to settle in Bristol."