Argentina national team coach Roberto Ayala clashes with Dani Olmo (Image: (screen capture))
Argentina national team assistant coach Roberto Ayala has insisted he did not hit Dani Olmo during the chaotic match after the World Cup final. Reigning European champions Spain clinched their second World Cup title on Sunday, their first since South Africa in 2010, thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal.
But embarrassing scenes ensued immediately after the final whistle as many Argentine players lost their minds. The violent scenes began when Nahuel Molina punched Rodri, before Argentine national assistant coach Ayala got into an argument with Olmo. Footage showed Ayala throwing punches at the Barcelona star as the two clashed. But former defender Ayala addressed the incident for the first time, claiming it was “more of an imposition than anything else” and that his reaction was due to Olmo’s remarks.
“Of course I’m sorry. In my position, I cannot allow my mood or actions to change depending on my emotions or what I might receive from the opponent,” he told Valencia Capital Radio’s Esports Migdia.
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“I’m sorry, but for me, these things stay there and that’s it. For me, things need to be put behind and left there.
“It was more of a push than anything. It wasn’t a punch like they say. That’s it. It was a reaction to what he said, but that’s it. If I met him, I would obviously apologize to him in person.”
Earlier, Ayala continued: “It’s disappointing. We have to accept the facts and what we did on the field. At the end of the game, what I saw was a fight in the middle of the pitch, we were rushing after the players and it ended up like that, because that’s not who we are.”
Argentina and Spain clash after World Cup final (Image: Getty)
“I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was to separate them, that was my intention. But sometimes things happen and emotions run high, but that’s no excuse. And given my position, regardless of what I receive, my actions have to be different.”
FIFA has already confirmed it is investigating possible disciplinary violations by Argentina after Sunday’s match.
The Match Commissioner’s report was considered by FIFA, which decided to appoint a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the disciplinary code.
“Following an evaluation of the relevant match report for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA Disciplinary Commission has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FDC in relation to post-match incidents, pursuant to article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),” FIFA said in a statement.
“Further details will be provided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report is complete.”
