Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui has re-addressed the racism accusations made against him following the heated exchange between him and DR Congo captain, Chancel Mbemba, after the AFCON match last Sunday.
The coach made his remarks in a press conference for the upcoming Zambia vs Morocco match, which will take place tomorrow at 9 p.m. Moroccan time.
Regragui told the press that he would like to defend the image that he has built over many years.
He added: “I have even received death threats.” He said that his family has been affected by the situation and the accusations leveled against him through the media.
“Unfortunately, despite representing Africa well in the World Cup, there are still many instances of disagreement among us regarding skin color and ethnicity,” Regragui said, adding that “for our continent to progress, we must first reconcile with ourselves.”
The coach further detailed the incident saying, “many things said after the match were not true. I did not insult the player and I have never insulted any player. This is not part of my upbringing.”
He said what he did during the match is what he usually does in all matches– shaking hands with the coaches, referees, and the rest of the players. However, this incident has caused him to change this practice.
“It seems that I will reconsider my actions in the future, and I will only shake hands with the coach and referees.”
These remarks came after Mbemba told the press that Regragui made “racist” comments against him during the heated exchange.
“Everybody knows me, I respect everyone … but I never thought I’d hear that word from the coach, that it would come from his mouth,” Mbemba told L’Equipe, a French sports outlet.
The Congolese captain claimed to have videos other than the widely circulated one that more clearly document his heated exchange with Regragui. However, he said he would not share these alleged other videos because he believes in God and His righteousness.
The Africa Football Confederation (CAF) has opened an investigation into the case, stressing that it will not comment on the incident until its completion..
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Royal Football Federation ( FRMF) issued a statement, stressing that the incident will not affect the fraternal ties shared between the two countries.
It also condemned all “unsportsmanlike” behavior, adding that it does not wish to enter into accusations.
