Morocco head coach Walid Reglagui has branded Senegalese rival Papu Thiaw “shameful” for leading his players off the field in protest at the chaotic end to the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Senegal were furious at the controversial decision to award Morocco a penalty in the final minute of stoppage time, with Thio calling on his players to return to the dressing room, spurred by a sense of injustice.
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After a delay of about 15 minutes, remaining talisman Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return to the pitch and Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s “Panenka” penalty.
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time thanks to Pep Gueye’s extra-time goal, but the final and tournament were overshadowed by chaos.
“The image we had of Africa was disgraceful,” Reglagi said at the post-match press conference. “A coach who asks players to leave the pitch…what Pep did was disrespectful to Africa. He was not elegant. But he is the champion so he can say whatever he wants.”
Senegal could face punishment for their actions, including their head coach. Thio was mocked during his post-match press conference in Rabat but later admitted Senegal had made the wrong decision.
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“I apologize for football,” Thio later told BeIN Sport. “After reflection, I brought them back. Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. We shouldn’t have done that, but it happened and now we apologize to the football community.”
