Jordan Player Apologizes After Controversial Handshake Snub in Arab Cup Final
Following a heated Arab Cup final, Jordanian player Saleem Obaid has apologized to Morocco’s head coach Tarik Sektioui after a controversial moment where several Jordanian players were seen ignoring and refusing to shake hands with the Moroccan coach and players.
However, the situation took a turn when FIFA President Gianni Infantino lightly protested the players’ behavior, and Jordan coach Jamal Sellami hugged Sektioui, publicly emphasizing that Sektioui deserves all the best.
Consequently, the Jordanian team received backlash from Moroccan and non-Moroccan fans, prompting Obaid to take to social media, saying that the situation “was not international” and that the act does not represent Jordanians’ manners.
Apology and Congratulations
Obaid extended an apology to the Moroccan team, saying, “We offer our apologies to the captain. He has all our love, respect, and appreciation.” He also extended congratulations to Morocco’s national football team.
Meanwhile, Sektioui responded calmly to the situation, stressing that good intentions are always rewarded and emphasizing the importance of humility in football and beyond.
Furthermore, Obaid emphasized that the act was not a reflection of Jordan’s values, saying, “No excuses. No justification. Ignoring a handshake after the final whistle is unacceptable and shameful. Respect is not optional in football.”
Arab Cup Final
The Atlas Lions defeated the Jordanian team 3-2 in a thrilling game attended by over 844,500 fans at the stadium.
Additionally, Moroccan cities across the country erupted in celebration of the momentum that added another golden memory to the Moroccan football portfolio.
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