Ayala addresses post-match scenes
Argentina coach Roberto Ayala claimed it was ‘more of a push than anything else’ as he moved to shut down the suggestion he threw a punch at Dani Olmo.
Spain secured their second World Cup on Sunday, thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal. However, the game will be remembered for some pretty disgraceful scenes that came immediately after the final whistle went.
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 claimed it was ‘more of a push than anything else’.
“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.
“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. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page
“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.
“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.
Football's governing body has moved to examine the post-match incidents after the final in which Spain defeated Argentina. The disciplinary process will focus on what happened after the whistle, including the scenes involving Molina, Rodri, Ayala and Olmo.
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."
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