Spain midfielder Dani Olmo has refused to accept an apology from Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala and accused him of lying about what happened after the World Cup final, as FIFA investigates the violent clashes that marred Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in New Jersey.
Ferran Torres’ goal sealed the win for Spain, but the moment was tarnished by ugly scenes on the pitch after the final whistle. Argentina’s Leandro Paredes kicked and punched as he shoved Eric Garcia to the ground and grappled with Gavi, while Nahuel Molina appeared to have instigated the altercation by throwing a punch at Rodri. There was also a flashpoint involving Ayala and Olmo, with the Argentina assistant coach caught on camera putting his hand around the Barcelona midfielder’s neck.
“Dani Olmo accuses Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala of lying over World Cup final brawl apology.”
Ayala later apologised, saying: “Of course I’m sorry. Given my position, I cannot allow a feeling, or whatever I might receive from the other party, to affect my mood or my actions. It was a reaction to something he said.” He added: “If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.”
But Olmo, speaking to newspaper Diari de Terrassa, rejected the apology and accused Ayala of lying. “Someone who says they’re sorry, but justifies a punch by saying it was a response to a comment, is surely not sorry, because he is lying,” Olmo said. “I didn’t say anything to him, so he doesn’t need to apologise. What truly defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to acknowledge it with humility, honesty and dignity.”
Olmo stressed the responsibility of players as role models: “When my children, my family and all those fans watch the game, I want them to be proud of how we competed, how we won and, above all, of our behaviour.”
The fallout from the final also saw Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni leave his post-match news conference in tears when talking about his future after the defeat. FIFA have appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the brawl, and it is likely to result in fines for Argentina failing to control their players and staff. Former England striker Alan Shearer, speaking on the BBC, said of the clashes: “There is no place or space for that.”