‘Not sorry at all’ – Spain’s Dani Olmo claims Argentina coach ‘not telling truth’ about punch after World Cup final

DANI OLMO has snubbed Roberto Ayala’s apology after being struck by the Argentina coach at the World Cup. Ayala thrusting a hand towards Olmo’s throat was just one part of the melee that followed the final in New Jersey. Roberto Ayala appeared to strike Dani Olmo after the World Cup final Credit: X @davidjaca Olmo celebrated Spain’s World Cup win in New Jersey Credit: Getty The right-handed jab appeared to come from absolutely nowhere as players and staff from both sides clashed after Spain‘s 1-0 win in extra-time. Ayala, 53, claimed it was in response to Olmo mouthing off. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! He said: “Obviously, I’m sorry. Because of my position, I can’t allow a feeling, or what I might receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions. “It was more of a push than anything else, it wasn’t a punch like they’re saying. “It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person. “My intention was to go and separate them. Sometimes things happen and emotions run high, but that’s no excuse. And given my position, my behaviour has to be different.” Olmo, though, is having none of it – and the Spain midfielder rubbished Ayala’s excuse. He told Diari de Terrassa: “Someone who confesses to being sorry but justifies a punch by claiming it was a response to ‘a saying’ is someone who probably isn’t sorry at all. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Ayala apologised for his role in the post-match chaos Credit: Getty “He’s not telling the truth, because I didn’t say anything to him, so I don’t need him to apologise. “What really defines us isn’t the mistake, but the courage to own up to it.” Fifa have been investigating the post-match tussle at the MetLife Stadium, which also saw Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes strike Gavi while he was on the ground. The South Americans drew criticism for their behaviour at the World Cup, with Fifa also looking into the team celebrating with a Falklands banner after beating England in the semi-finals. Comment now