Trending 
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the “unacceptable scenes” that overshadowed Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” said Infantino in a statement.
African football’s showpiece event was marred when most of the Senegalese players walked off the pitch deep into injury time at the end of normal play, with the match all square at 0-0. Morocco was 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 fought 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.
Infantino, while congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts”, a boost ahead of Morocco co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup, said teams must abide by the match officials’ decisions.
“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.
Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes at this year’s World Cup finals, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters around the world.
