Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala insists he did not punch Spain midfielder Dani Olmo following Sundays tempestuous World Cup final but has said he will apologise to the Barcelona star in person. Ayala was involved in the post-match scuffles that marred the showpiece game in New Jersey with Argentina very much the aggressors as their frustration at losing 1-0 boiled over.The former Napoli, AC Milan and Valencia defender, who was regarded as one of the most combative players of his generation, was embroiled in a scuffle with Olmo while Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing Gavi to the turf.Speaking on Valencia Capital Radio, 53-year-old Ayala, who works under head coach Lionel Scaloni, said: I saw there was a tussle in the middle of the field and we tried to look out for our players.I take full responsibility for my actions, my intention was to separate the players and nothing else. Sometimes things happen and you have a thousand pulses (in your body), but its not an excuse and the role I have is very important. I shouldnt have done that no matter what I received.Table of ContentsIt was a push, not a punch, insists Argentina coach AyalaAyala explains Argentina snub at trophy presentationIt was a push, not a punch, insists Argentina coach AyalaRegarding the alleged punch towards Olmo, he added: It was more of a push than anything else, it was not a punch as they said. It was a reaction to something that was said but if I see Dani Olmo, I will apologise in person.Argentinas conduct in the final and the semi against England, after which they held up a hugely provocative banner relating to the Falkland Islands has led to a tidal wave of criticism which Ayala finds strange.I dont know why, I dont know if its a campaign, but there was a certain animosity towards our team because we were doing well, he added.Ayala explains Argentina snub at trophy presentationArgentina were also condemned for turning their backs on the trophy presentation, opting instead to face their supporters at one end of MetLife Stadium.Ayala, who made 116 appearances for Argentina, said: Now they are just looking for things to be negative about when it comes to Argentina. There were thousands of gestures from the Spanish players that werent highlighted. You have to do some real journalism.Most of our fans were there so we went to thank them for their sacrifice. Topics Argentina National Football Team Dani Olmo FC Barcelona Roberto Ayala Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Gavi calls for Paredes to avoid suspension despite World Cup final bust-up Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 Worth as much as the gold medal Yamal reveals Messi message after Spains World Cup triumph over Argentina Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 Players from Argentine club Tigre display Malvinas flag after Copa Sudamericana win Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026 Disgraced Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes set to play for Boca Juniors tomorrow night Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026 The fall of the greats is the joy of the mediocre Lisandro Martinez lashes out at Argentinas critics Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026 2026 World Cup: Rating the 5 biggest achievers and underperformers at this summers tournament Mitch Fretton 21st July, 2026
