Senegal national football team coach Pape Thiav said today that the decision for his team to leave the field during the Africa Cup of Nations final was an emotional decision made in a moment of chaos.
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations last Sunday after defeating host Morocco 1-0 in the final after extra time. Earlier, the Senegalese team left the field unhappy with the refereeing when Morocco was awarded a penalty kick in stoppage time.
Senegalese footballer Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return to the field so that Brahim Diaz could take a penalty, which he missed.
"It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much. I simply tried to protect my players from injustice. What some may perceive as a violation of the rules is nothing more than an emotional reaction to the unfairness of the situation. After thinking about it, we decided to continue the game and win the trophy," Tijav said on Instagram.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the Senegalese team's move, and the Moroccan Football Federation announced it would launch a legal case because leaving the field "significantly affected the normal course of the match and the players' performance."
After the penalty kick was awarded, there was a scuffle between players on and off the pitch, and the referees clashed with the Senegalese players behind the goal. The match was stopped for 15 minutes, but there was also chaos when Dias took the penalty kick.
"We experienced an exceptional tournament with great organization, which unfortunately ended in dramatic fashion," added the Senegalese coach.
The Senegalese Football Federation has condemned the tournament hosts' lack of fair play ahead of the final.
"I apologize if I offended anyone, but football fans will understand that emotions are an integral part of this sport," Tijav said of leaving the field.
Bonus video:
