Dani Olmo has accused Roberto Ayala of lying after the Argentina coach claimed he shoved Spain's No10 around the throat as a reaction to something that was said after the World Cup final.
Incident and initial apology
Footage has emerged showing the former Valencia defender shoving Olmo on the pitch at MetLife Stadium after his country's 1-0 defeat, with Eric Garcia, who was also pushed, separating them. Ayala, 53, has since apologised, saying that he would also do so in person if the pair cross paths again in the future, and believes they should now draw a line under the incident.
However, in response to those comments, Olmo seems unwilling to leave it at that after denying he provoked the clash, and believes the sorry is not sincere, given Ayala's failure to acknowledge what really happened.
Olmo's response
Olmo told his hometown newspaper Diari de Terrassa: "Someone who confesses to being sorry, but justifies a punch by stating that it was a response to a saying, is that he surely does not regret it, because he is lacking in the truth. I did not say anything to him, so I do not need him to apologise. What really defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to assume it with humility, truth and dignity."
He added: "When my children, my family and so many fans and the people of Terrassa watch the game, I want them to be proud of how we compete, how we win, and above all, our behaviour, because the importance of football makes us players an example for children and the new generations, and that entails a great responsibility. But thank God, what's really important is that we've had an incredible World Cup, that the world has seen it and that we're world champions after a lot of work."
Ayala's explanation
Ayala had previously said on Esports Migdia de Valencia Capital Radio: "I am sorry. The place I occupy is a place where I cannot allow a feeling, or what I may receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions." He added: "It was more of a push than anything else, it was not a punch as they want to say ... It was a reaction to a saying. The place I occupy is a place where I cannot allow a feeling, or what I may receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions."
However, Ayala was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "Congratulations to Spain. When you face a team that has beaten you, you have to know that it is an experience and a learning experience. Spain played a World Cup playing very beautiful football."
