Algeria soccer coach Rabah Madjer goes bonkers on ‘enemy of national team’ reporter

Nov. 17 (UPI) — Algeria’s national team soccer coach Rabah Madjer screamed and threw insults at a reporter Tuesday during a press conference.

Madjer coached the team to a friendly win Tuesday over the Central African Republic. He sat alongside Riyad Mahrez. A reporter asked Mahrez was asked about the quality of the team’s game.

“Riyad,” Madjer said. “Give me two seconds. Mr. [Maamar] Djebour, the national journalist, you are the enemy of the national team. You are the enemy of the national team. I say that in public. Listen to me all. I respect all of you, but him. I don’t respect you.”

Djebour interjected to the slight.

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Retire and let the next generation do the job,” Madjer said. “Next question please.”

Madjer took over as manager of the national team in October after Lucas Alcarez was fired. Algeria did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

After Tuesday’s exchange, the Algerian Sports Journalists Association issued a statement.

“[The ASJA] asks the national team coach to have a better attitude in the future regarding giving information to journalists,” the statement said, according to the International Sports Press Association. “…something he was not able to do on Tuesday evening during his violent reaction that contradicts sports ethics and serene relations that should prevail between the two parties.”