Spain’s midfielder Dani Olmo has rejected Argentina’s assistant coach Roberto Ayala’s apology for the World Cup final confrontation. After Spain registered a 1-0 win in the summit clash against Argentina at New Jersey, Nahuel Molina hit Rodri in the chest when Spain’s captain was running towards his teammates to celebrate. When Rodri retaliated, Paredes grabbed Eric García by the throat and then threw Gavi to the ground.

On television footage, it was seen that Ayala had raised hands on Olmo’s neck but the Argentine said it was a reaction to what the Barcelona’s midfielder said.

However, Olmo said Ayala was lying as he didn’t say anything to him.

Olmo has hit back, telling Catalan newspaper Diari de Terrassa in stories published this weekend: “Someone who says they’re sorry but justifies a punch by saying it was a response to a comment is surely not sorry because he is lying. I didn’t say anything to him, so he doesn’t need to apologize.

“What truly defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to acknowledge it with humility, honesty and dignity.

“When my children, my family and all those fans watch the game,” Olmo added, “I want them to be proud of how we competed, how we won and, above all, of our behavior, because the importance of football means that us players are an example for children and the new generations, and that brings with it a huge responsibility.”

Ayala, on the other hand, denied he punched Olmo and said he reacted after the midfielder said something to him.

He said on Valencia Capital Radio on Wednesday, “Of course I’m sorry. Given my position, ​I cannot allow a feeling, or whatever I might receive from ​the other party, to affect my mood or my actions,” he said.

“For me, we need to ​draw a line and leave it at that. It was more of a ​shove than anything else, it wasn’t a punch as they’re making it out to be.

“It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologize to him in person.”