Argentina coach Roberto Ayala clashed with Dani Olmo (Image: (Screengrab))
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala claimed he didn’t punch Dani Olmo during the chaotic match that followed the World Cup final. Reigning European champions Spain secured their second World Cup title on Sunday, their first since South Africa in 2010, thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal.
But disgraceful scenes immediately followed the final whistle as a number of Argentina players lost their minds. The violent scenes began when Nahuel Molina struck Rodri, and Argentina’s assistant coach Ayala was then involved in an altercation with Olmo. Footage appeared to show Ayala throwing a punch in the direction of the Barcelona star as the two clashed. However, addressing the incident for the first time, former defender Ayala has now spoken out, insisting it was ‘more of a push than anything else’ and that his reaction was due to something Olmo had said.
“Obviously I’m sorry. Because of my position, I can’t allow a feeling, or what I might receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions,” he told Esports Migdia on Valencia Capital Radio.
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“I’m sorry, but for me, these are things that stay there and that’s it. For me, things need to be put behind us and left there.
“It was more of a push than anything else, it wasn’t a punch like they’re saying, and that’s it. It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.”
Before Ayala continued: “It’s a shame, and you have to accept the facts and the things you’ve done on the field. When the game ends, what I see is a fight in the middle of the pitch, and we rush to go after our players, and it ends up like that because that’s not who we are.
Argentina and Spain clash following the World Cup final (Image: Getty)
“I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was to go and separate them, that was my intention, but sometimes things happen and emotions run high, but that’s no excuse. And given my position, my behaviour has to be different, regardless of what I receive.”
FIFA have already confirmed an investigation into potential disciplinary breaches by Argentina following Sunday’s game.
The match commissioner’s report was reviewed by FIFA, which has now decided to appoint a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to probe potential breaches of its disciplinary code.
A statement from FIFA confirmed: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”