Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has apologized for his actions during the chaotic scenes following the World Cup final, explaining that he reacted to something Spain star Dani Olmo said after the final whistle.
Spain won their second World Cup title thanks to Ferran Torres' extra-time strike in New Jersey on Sunday, but the celebration was marred by verbal altercations and physical confrontations between players from both teams.
Ayala, a former Argentina international who played in Spain for over half his club career, was involved in several scuffles on the pitch and was seen approaching Olmo, hitting him in the face. However, he insists that his actions were a "push" rather than a punch, and that he will apologize to Olmo directly if the opportunity arises.
"Obviously, I'm sorry," Ayala said in an interview. "Because of my position, I can't allow a feeling or what I might receive from the other party to change my mood and my actions. I'm sorry, but for me, these are things that stay there and that's it."
Ayala went on to explain that he had gone onto the pitch with the intention of calming the players who were losing their cool, but was dragged into the drama himself. He took responsibility for his actions, stating that his behavior must be different regardless of what he receives from others.
FIFA has already begun the process of potential disciplinary action against Argentina after players held aloft a banner referencing the Falkland Islands after beating England in the semi-finals. An investigation into Argentina's behavior after Sunday's final is also underway.
