Argentina’s assistant coach has spoken out for the first time after being filmed making physical contact with Spanish playmaker Dani Olmo in the aftermath of their World Cup final defeat.
Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in extra time to clinch Spain’s second world championship title.
Argentina, who saw Enzo Fernandez red-carded, struggled to accept losing their crown as chaotic altercations broke out at the final whistle.
As Spain captain Rodri re-entered the pitch, cameras captured Argentine full-back Nahuel Molina lashing out.
Furthermore, Leandro Paredes was filmed grabbing Eric Garcia by the neck prior to shoving Gavi to the ground during a complete loss of composure.
However, the most unexpected outburst came from Argentine assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who was seen putting his hands on the Barcelona midfielder.
Several days later, Ayala, a former defender for AC Milan and Valencia, addressed his aggressive conduct.
He offered an apology for his actions, while insisting he did not strike Olmo with a punch.
“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. I’m sorry, but for me, these are things that stay there and that’s it,” Ayala told Esports Migdia, as per Barca Blaugranes.
“For me, things need to be put behind us and left there. 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 apologize to him in person.
“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 behavior has to be different, regardless of what I receive. Eric García was also there, and I simply told Eric that I went in to separate them and offer my congratulations, nothing more.”
