Spain star Dani Olmo has accused the Argentina coach who he claimed punched him after Spain’s World Cup final victory of lying in his attempt to downplay the incident.
Violent clashes broke out on the pitch after the full-time whistle as Spain were crowned champions in New Jersey. Ferran Torres’ goal in extra-time was enough to seal a 1-0 win for Spain, but their winning moment was marred by several incidents.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was at the center of the chaos, appearing to kick and punch Eric Garcia before wrestling with Gavi during the heated confrontation. Nahuel Molina also seemed to spark the melee after throwing a punch in Rodri’s direction.
Another flashpoint saw Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala clash with Dani Olmo, with television cameras capturing Ayala placing his hand around the Barcelona midfielder’s neck as tensions boiled over.
FIFA are investigating the ugly scenes, which could prompt suspensions and fines.
Ayala attempted to downplay the incident by stating it was ‘more of a shove than a punch’ and claimed he had reacted to ‘some words’ uttered by Olmo and his nearby team-mate Eric Garcia.
The Argentina assistant also issued a public apology and vowed to say sorry ‘in person’ if he ever sees Olmo again.
Speaking about the incident for the first time since Spain’s World Cup final victory on July 19, Olmo refused to accept Ayala’s apology and accused him of lying.
He told Spanish newspaper Diari de Terrassa: ‘Someone who says they’re sorry, but justifies a punch by saying it was a response to a comment, is surely not sorry.
‘He is lying because 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.
‘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, because the importance of football means that us players are an example for children and the new generations, and that brings with it a huge responsibility.’
When questioned about the incident earlier this week, Ayala had said: ‘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.
‘For me, we need to draw a line and leave it at that. It was more of a shove than anything else; it wasn’t a punch as they’re making it out to be.
‘It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.’
FIFA have launched an investigation into the deplorable post-match scenes, which could see Argentina heavily fined for failing to control their players and staff.