Senegal soccer coach Pape Thiaw has sought to explain his decision to order his players walk-off during the chaotic African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco on Sunday.
Senegal, which eventually won the tournament, were not happy after the hosts Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in the dying minutes of the final after a VAR review.
In protest, the Teranga Lions coach instructed his players to walk-off the pitch, before returning to continue with the match after a 15-minute delay.
When the tense situation was finally resolved, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz bungled the penalty, much to the shock of his countrymen who had packed the stadium.
Thiaw’s conduct has been condemned in most quarters of football and there has been calls for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to impose a hefty fine and ban on him.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account, Thiaw said he acted at the heat of the moment and was led by emotions.
“It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much.
I was just trying to protect my players in the face of injustice.
What some will take as a violation of the rules is nothing other than an emotional reaction to the unfairness of the situation,” read the post.
He said after an intense discussion, the players decided to resume with the match, and is grateful that justice was served when his team scored the solitary goal to clinch their second continental trophy.
“I apologize if I hurt certain people, but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport.
My heart, my soul, my spirit are rooted in this beautiful country that has given me everything, and for it, I would do the impossible,” added Thiaw.
Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has also joined a list of those who condemned Thiaw’s conduct.
“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,” said Infantino in a statement.
CAF disciplinary committee is expected to announce soon whether sanctions will be imposed on Thiaw personally or Senegal.
