RABAT, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Senegal might be celebrating their Africa Cup of Nations victory but will anxiously await possible sanctions for their walk-off during Sunday’s final against Morocco.
Senegal staged a lengthy protest after a penalty awarded in the dying stages of the game to hosts Morocco after a VAR review, walking off the pitch before returning to continue.
Morocco squandered the penalty, taking the match to extra time where Senegal scored to win 1-0 and emerge victorious for a second time in the last three Cup of Nations editions.
But their actions have been widely condemned, including by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Confederation of African Football. Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who ordered his players off, and some of those who went to the changing room can expect to face disciplinary charges.
With a trip to the World Cup next for Senegal, they will be concerned the manager and key players could be suspended for matches at the finals in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. in June.
Senegal’s opening two games against France and Norway are in New York.
Thiaw has expressed belated regret for his actions, although a chance to address the post-match press conference after Sunday’s final was quickly ended when he was jeered by Moroccan journalists.
But in a television interview, he said: "I don't want to dwell on the events of the match. In hindsight, I really shouldn’t have told my players to come off.
"I apologise for the sake of football. After further consideration, I brought them back on. We know what happens behind the scenes," he added, referring to conspiracy theories around hosts Morocco being favoured by the referee.
"We can react in the heat of the moment, and we must also ask ourselves whether that was a penalty? Now, we accept the referee's mistakes; it can happen. We shouldn't have done it, but it's done. Now, we apologise to football."
CAF said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it "condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials."
"CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty," African football’s governing body said in a statement on Monday.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Rabat; Editing by Ken Ferris)
