Waleed Al-Rakraki, the national team coach, expressed his regret over the turn of events following the match between the Moroccan and Congolese national teams, stating, “I think the matter has been exaggerated…
Such incidents are normal… What happened was more dangerous in the Netherlands vs. Argentina match in the last World Cup, and it was not sensationalized…
There were no physical clashes; there were attempts to separate the players and pull some of them to end the skirmishes.”
Al-Rakraki, in the press conference preceding the match against Zambia tomorrow, said that such matters would not affect the team, adding, “The unfortunate thing is what happened after the incident and the attempt to accuse me of uttering racist phrases…
This is disgraceful, and I will defend my reputation that I have built over the years.”
He continued, “We need to evolve ourselves for our continent to evolve… and be honest with ourselves…
There were things said after the end of the match that were not true.
I did not insult the player, and that is not in my upbringing.
What I did, I always do; I address the coach and the players.
But in the future, I will only shake hands with the coach and the referee.”
The same speaker confirmed that what happened personally disappointed him and also affected his family, adding, “When you are one of the people who oppose racism and suddenly find yourself accused overnight, it is a disappointing matter…
I received racist messages and death threats, and the player also…
This is regrettable.”
Al-Rakraki considered the matter closed for him, awaiting clarification of his position to the African Football Confederation, which has opened an investigation into the matter.
He called on the fans and components of the national team to focus on the upcoming competitions on the continent.
