In an emotional World Cup, Argentina national team assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who hit a Spanish player, presented his version of events and apologized.
The Argentinians, defending their world champion title, lost 0:1 to Spain on Sunday evening.
Immediately after the final whistle of referee Slavko Vinčič, the disappointed Argentinians clashed with their opponents. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, who came on as a substitute and had already struggled to control himself during the match, fought with Eric Garcia and Gavi, while defender Nahuel Molina also struck a passing Spaniard in the chest area.
After the final, Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni’s assistant Roberto Ayala also “distinguished himself” by hitting Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo in the face.
Speaking on “Valencia Capital Radio”, the Argentinian explained his actions.
“Of course, I apologize. Given my position, I cannot allow someone else’s actions to provoke my actions or emotions,” said the Argentinian, who soon after presented his version of events.
– It was more of a push than anything else, certainly not a punch, as it is being presented.
I reacted to what he said, and that’s it. If I meet him in person, I will definitely apologize.”
R. Ayala, 53, himself represented Argentina from 1994 to 2007 and participated in the 1998, 2002, and 2006 World Cups. He has been working in the national team’s coaching staff and assisting head coach Lionel Scaloni since 2019.
“When the match ends and you see conflicts in the middle of the pitch, you have to rush and try to separate the players. I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was to separate them, but sometimes, when emotions run high, such things happen, although it is not an excuse,” said the Argentinian.
– Eric Garcia (Spanish defender – ed.) was nearby and I told him that I came to separate them and congratulate them on winning, and that’s all.”
After the final, FIFA announced that it would investigate the incidents that occurred after the match and consider sanctions against the Argentine national team. However, one of the affected Spaniards, Gavi, publicly stated that he does not believe that representatives of the Argentine national team should be punished.
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