Scandal finale in the Africa Cup: criticism from the FIFA boss, apologies and many questions

There was no advertising for football on Sunday night Rabat. After the Africa Cup final between hosts Morocco and Senegalwhich will probably go down in history as a scandalous finale, there is a great need for discussion. The 1:0-Sieg the Senegalese, the Pope Gueye in the fourth minute of extra time was overshadowed by the events in injury time of regular time.

The hot phase in Fast forward: In the 97th minute, after a VAR check, there was a penalty because of the Real star Brahim Diaz was fouled. The Senegalese protested, there were riots, the Senegalese even resigned at short notice. First superstar Sadio Mane brought his people back because he was afraid that the overwhelmed referee would stop the matter. About a quarter of an hour later, Brahim Diaz had the chance to shoot Morocco to the title for the first time since 1976, but was more than careless – he shoved the ball into the hands of goalie Mendy. A faux pas that should take revenge.

Now the Senegal coach has apologized after the scandal. “Sometimes you react in the heat of the moment,” said Pope Thiaw after his team’s triumph. “We accept the referee’s mistakes, that can happen. We shouldn’t have reacted like that, but that’s in the past now. We apologize to football.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino referred to the incidents as “unacceptable”. “We strongly condemn the behavior of some “fans” as well as some Senegalese players and members of the coaching staff. It is unacceptable to leave the pitch in this way and violence cannot be tolerated in our sport. “Such a thing has no place in football,” said the Swiss. He expects that the responsible disciplinary bodies of the African Football Confederation CAF to take the appropriate measures.

Fair Mane

“I did what I had to do,” Mané said. “It would have been crazy to give up the game because of a penalty. That would be that Worst for African football been. I’d rather lose.”