Dani Olmo finally responds to Argentina coach who struck him after World Cup final

Dani Olmo has directly responded to Argentina coach Roberto Ayala’s apology after the pair were involved in an altercation following the World Cup final.

Olmo and Ayala became involved in a tussle after the latter raised his hand towards the Barcelona star’s neck amid the post-match chaos that followed the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to grab Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and bundle Gavi to the ground, while Nahuel Molina threw a punch towards La Roja captain Rodri. Thiago Almada was also involved in the melee.

Enzo Fernandez had earlier been sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a poor tackle on Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsi.

Argentina were also heavily criticised for turning their backs on Spain as they held the World Cup trophy aloft.

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FIFA has since opened an investigation into the unsavoury scenes, while Spain boss Luis de la Fuente described Argentina’s behaviour as “intolerable”.

Last Wednesday (July 22), Ayala issued a public apology to Olmo when speaking with Valencia Capital Radio, although he denied that he punched the Spain international.

"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 apologise to him in person."

Dani Olmo hits back at Argentina coach

However, Olmo has refused to accept Ayala’s apology, telling Spanish outlet Diari de Terrassa that the coach is “lying”.

"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,” Olmo said.

“I didn't say anything to him, so he doesn't need to apologise

"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.

"I want them to be proud of how we competed, how we won and, above all, of our behaviour, 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

"But thankfully, what really matters is that we experienced an incredible World Cup, the world saw it and we are world champions after a lot of hard work."