Nayef Aguerd: West Ham Star Defends Morocco Coach Walid Regragui Amid Alleged Racism Accusation

• Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd has backed coach Walid Regragui
• The Atlas Lions gaffer clashed with DR Congo star Chance Mbemba
• Morocco need a draw to reach the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations

Nayef Aguerd has jumped to the defence of Morocco coach Walid Regragui following his clash with Democratic Republic of Congo captain Chancel Mbemba.

Regragui has been accused of using 'unprintable' words at the Olympique Marseille centre-back, sparking allegations of racism.

The Atlas Lions manager and Mbemba were involved in a heated argument after the match between Morocco and DR Congo on Sunday, leading to chaotic scenes between the two teams.

Aguerd, who starred for the North Africans in San Pedro on Sunday, rejected reports of racist abuse from the coach to Mbemba, claiming Regragui stands against such immoral acts.

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The West Ham star wrote on his Instagram Story:

"Yesterday, after the game, I unfortunately observed a slight deterioration in social networks and certain media. Altercations are entirely normal during a football match.

"Unjustly accusing a coach of actions that do not align with his values deeply saddens me. Silence is also a mistake in such moments, as it leads to misunderstandings that have caused these divisions today. It is everyone's duty not to leave room for confusion.

"I have known Coach Walid Regragui since the age of 17, and what I read since yesterday contradicts the true nature of this man. Accusing him today of different actions is downright shameful. Let's step back and remember that this is football and nothing more. Say no to hatred between countries, no to racism, and no to defamation."

Meanwhile, in a pulsating encounter on Sunday, Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions with a fine volley but the Leopards levelled late in the game through Katompa Mvumpa.

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Morocco will face Zambia for a place in the last 16 while DR Congo engages Tanzania, per Sky Sports.

Mbemba opens up on clash with Regragui

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Democratic Republic of Congo captain, Chancel Mbemba, explained his clash with Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Olympique Marseille centre-back furiously reacted to the coach at the end of the Group F clash on Sunday, leading to players on both sides clashing.

It is unclear what Regragui said to Mbemba to spark that reaction, but according to the ex-Newcastle United player, the coach's words were 'unprintable'.