Senegal Coach Apologises To Football World Over AFCON Final Incident
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has apologised to the football world following the controversial scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
The incident happened after a penalty was awarded to hosts Morocco, a decision that angered the Senegal bench. Thiaw was seen signalling to his players to leave the pitch in protest before they later returned to continue the match.
Speaking after the final, Thiaw admitted he acted wrongly and said his reaction was driven by anger.
“Quite simply, because we did not agree with the decision,” Thiaw said. “I don’t want to dwell too much on that specific moment of the match, but after reflecting on it, I didn’t like how I acted.
“In a moment of anger, I told the players to leave the pitch, and I apologise to the world of football for that. Once I calmed down and thought it over, I asked them to return to the field, and we all saw what happened after that.”
The Senegal coach confirmed that his instruction for the players to walk off was a mistake.
“Yes,” he added. “Sometimes we act out of nerves. We were questioning whether the penalty was even valid, especially since we had scored a goal just before that was not counted.
“However, we accept the referee’s mistakes, as that is part of football. We are not making excuses; ultimately, we have offered our apologies to the game.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already condemned the actions of some Senegal players and officials, describing the scenes as unacceptable.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some supporters as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said in a statement sent to AFP. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner.”
FIFA is expected to review the incident, and Senegal could face sanctions despite going on to win the AFCON title.
