Algeria player slaps female reporter

[ccharles000]

PRETORIA, South Africa – Algeria soccer player Rafik Saifi slapped a female journalist across the face as the aftermath of the United States’ dramatic World Cup victory turned ugly at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.

While walking through the interview zone, Saifi spotted writer Asma Halimi, who works for Algerian newspaper Competition, and struck her with his open hand in front of dozens of witnesses. Halimi responded by striking the player in the mouth.

Saifi then threw a sports drink bottle at a wall in the interview area, as Halimi was ushered away by security staff.

Saifi came on as substitute for the last five minutes of the USA’s 1-0 victory.

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/algeria-star-slaps-female-reporter--fbintl_ro-algeria062310.html

[JI7]

1. they led the reporter away ? shouldn't they have led the asshole away

[Heywood J]

6. I'd like to think they did it for her safety.

I'm pleased that she seems to have given him a taste of his own medicine in self-defense. It's sad to see professional-level players throwing tantrums like a child and he should be taken to learn the consequences of common assault.

[Name removed]

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[Codeine]

3. They played cynical, asshole football. No surprise some of them

are assholes off the pitch as well.

Another team for me to always root against.

[EmilyKent]

4. I liked her response!

[niyad]

5. yes, good for her.

I am wondering, however, why neither KO nor Rachel mentioned this in talking about the game.