Morocco head coach Walid Regragui claims Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz was ‘disturbed’ before his stunning penalty miss in the Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Senegal.
Diaz had a fantastic opportunity to win Morocco’s first continental title in 50 years when the AFCON hosts were given a last-minute penalty with the score tied.
However, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw ordered his squad off the field in protest of the contentious VAR ruling, delaying the penalty kick by 17 minutes.
The Senegalese players made their way back to their dressing room amid strange scenes as spectators fought with security as they tried to storm onto the pitch.
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Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy further delayed Diaz’s penalty kick when the players eventually returned to the field under pressure from Liverpool legend Sadio Mane.
Diaz kissed the ball before putting it on the penalty spot, but Mendy barely had to move to save his Panenka-style chip as it lacked conviction.
After the game, the Morocco players were upset, and Diaz was seen crying as Senegal raised the trophy.
The 26-year-old’s mild punishment even sparked internet speculation that he intentionally missed in response to Senegal’s outrage over the ruling.
Regragui’s Response To Diaz’s Penalty Miss
According to The Metro, Morocco manager Regragui said: “He had a lot of time before taking the penalty which must have disturbed him.
“But we can’t change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forwards now.”
Mendy was asked about his interaction he had with Diaz before the penalty miss and said: ‘What did we say to each other? That’s between us.
“We did it together and we came back together, that’s all that matters. We can be proud tonight.”
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