FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned some Senegal players” for the unacceptable scenes which overshadowed their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final when they walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco.
Infantino in a statement strongly condemned the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.
He said it is unacceptable to leave the field of play in that manner.
Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.
African football’s showpiece event was marred by most of the Senegalese players walking off the pitch when deep into injury time of normal play, with the match all square at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.
Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his teammates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty.
They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier.
Meanwhile, trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel.
The game was held up for almost 20 minutes before Diaz could take the penalty, and his weak ‘panenka’ kick was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Pape Gueye then went on to score a brilliant goal in the fourth minute of extra time to give his team a 1-0 win.
