Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has again apologised for his actions during the Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco.
At 0-0, Morocco were awarded a late penalty, a decision that infuriated the Senegal bench and led to Thiaw calling his players off the pitch.
Only the intervention of captain Sadio Mane saw the players return more than ten minutes later. Brahim Diaz then missed a Panenka penalty, saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, taking the match to extra-time.
Senegal went on to win the final after Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal.
After this week’s celebrations back home, Thiaw addressed the incident again, insisting his intentions were misunderstood.
“I simply tried to protect my players in the face of what I perceived as an injustice,” Thiaw said. “It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game or to disrespect football.”
He also issued an apology to those affected by the scenes during the final.
“I apologise if anyone was hurt.
“I’m sure, however, that those who truly love football will understand that emotion is a fundamental component of this sport.”