Spain coach De la Fuente apologizes for his post-game behavior

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente gestures during UEFA Nations League 2024/25 match between Serbia and Spain in Belgrade, Serbia, Sept. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has apologized for his behavior at the end of Spain's last World Cup qualifying game a week ago.

Spain drew 2-2 at home to Türkiye to assure its ticket to next summer's World Cup finals, but the coach was angered by a late refereeing decision to rule out what would have been a winning goal from Fermin Lopez for a debatable foul in the build-up.

De la Fuente refused to shake hands with the fourth official at the final whistle, explaining after the game that he hadn't seen him, but speaking in an interview with Fibwi Radio a week after the game, he has admitted that wasn't the case and confessed he was unhappy with his own behavior.

"The other day, in the last match, I made a gesture that I'm not at all comfortable with, it doesn't make me proud at all, quite the opposite. I want to apologize publicly," said the coach.

"We had different points of view and there was tension during the match. I felt he hadn't treated me well and I wanted to show my displeasure," explained De la Fuente.

"I regret that because that's not who I am, and I shouldn't have done it. I should have spoken to him, not refused to shake his hand. I'm the first one who's ashamed," he continued.

The coach also regretted setting a bad example to people watching the game. "We have a responsibility. Many people look up to us, and we have to project an image that lives up to expectations, not only in terms of football, but also in terms of our human qualities," he concluded.