FIFA president Infantino condemns behaviour of Senegal players and staff in AFCON final
Senegal’s coach and players stormed off the pitch during the final of AFCON
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and technical staff members after a chaotic end to the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.
Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to win the AFCON title for the second time in four years.
The final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage, when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty after he was advised by video assistant referee (VAR) to review El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.
Officials and players jostled with each other while the referee consulted the touchline screen.
After a review, it was found that Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full-back Malick Diouf while defending a corner kick five minutes into stoppage time.
Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, who was unhappy when their opening goal was disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi earlier, was furious after the penalty was awarded and stormed off the pitch alongside the majority of the team players, leading to a delay of 14 minutes.
After congratulating Senegal in an Instagram post on their title win, thanks to a Pape Gueye strike in extra time, Infantino said: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands - 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. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in a statement, said that it was reviewing footage and that action would be taken against those found guilty, adding that it "condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials".
"CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty," CAF said in a statement on Monday.
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