Senegal boss Pape Thiaw is set to face a lengthy ban after telling his players to walk off during the AFCON final despite apologising for his actions – as the Moroccan football federation announced its intent to launch legal action over the incident.
In a hugely controversial final, hosts Morocco were given a last–minute penalty which sparked fury on the pitch and in the stands, with Thiaw ordering his squad to leave the pitch in protest.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, which was taken in the 24th minute of stoppage time (eight minutes were initially added on) and Senegal won in extra–time.
‘After thinking about it, I realised that I shouldn’t have asked them to go off. I apologise for that,’ said Thiaw on Monday.
‘Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. Before that we scored a goal that was not given (Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr had a strike chalked off). But now we accept that referees do make mistakes and we apologise.’
It is understood Thiaw could now face a banning order with FIFA and African football federation CAF looking into the incident. Daily Mail Sport approached both bodies for comment.
Pape Thiaw is facing a ban after telling his Senegal players to walk off during the AFCON final
Thiaw ordered his team to leave the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: ‘We strongly condemn the behaviour of some “supporters” as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.
‘It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.
‘We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.
‘The ugly scenes witnessed must be condemned and never repeated. I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.’
African body CAF added: ‘CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.
‘CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.’
The champions flew from Rabat to their capital of Dakar on Monday for a celebration party which will leave Premier League clubs sweating over whether their Senegalese stars will be ready to rejoin their camps in time for this weekend’s fixtures.
Everton have two Senegal internationals in Iliman Ndiaye and Sunday’s captain Idrissa Gana Gueye, while Palace have Sarr and West Ham left back El Hadji Malick Diouf was a standout performer in the final. Pape Matar Sarr, an unused substitute, is of Tottenham.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino branded the Senegal players walking off as ‘unacceptable’
Morocco manager Walid Regragui said Sunday’s final portrayed a ‘shameful’ image of Africa
Boss Thiaw was also condemned by Morocco manager Walid Regragui, who faced calls to resign in his press conference by journalists who accused him of reducing children to tears. He said: ‘It was a final with a Hitchcockian script.
‘The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful. A coach who asks his players to leave the field… what Pape did does not honour Africa. In the pre–match press conference, he was not classy, but he is a champion so he can say whatever he wants.
‘We stopped the match in the eyes of the world for 10 minutes. That didn’t help Brahim (Diaz, who missed the penalty). That doesn’t excuse Brahim for the way he hit the penalty. We were one minute from being African champions. That’s football. It’s often cruel.
‘We missed what for some was the opportunity of a lifetime.’
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) said: ‘[The RMFF] announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding the Senegalese national team’s withdrawal from the final match against Morocco and the subsequent events following the referee’s decision to award a penalty kick, a decision deemed correct by all experts. This significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players’ performance.
‘Furthermore, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation extends its sincere gratitude to all Moroccan fans who remained loyal to the national team through their massive attendance and exemplary support in all of the national team’s matches and other tournaments.
‘The Federation also thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this continental championship.’
