Olushola Omogbehin
Following the chaotic scenes during at the Sunday’s African Cup of Nations final where the champions briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has challenged the conduct by the Senegal players.
“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,” said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP.
“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.”
Senegal players left the field, while clashes broke out between some Senegal supporters and Moroccan security staff elsewhere in the stadium.
Senegal eventually returned to the pitch, where Diaz’s earlier awarded penalty was taken but saved saved by Edouard Mendy.
The Senegal later secured victory in extra time after a goal from Pape Gueye, silencing the home crowd of 66,526 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
In spite of the controversy, Infantino praised Morocco for their organisation of the tournament, which he said is it a positive step in the country’s preparation to co-host the men’s 2030 World Cup.
“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
He also expressed hope that there will not be such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico because the Sunday event according to him sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.
“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated.”
