Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has responded to the “abusive language” accusations levelled against him by Chippa United co-coach Kwanele Kopo.
The Chilli Boys mentor claimed that Riveiro was disrespectful towards the Chippa United bench and staff, using shocking abusive language during the match on Saturday.
The Buccaneers sealed a 3-1 victory over the Eastern Cape-based side in the Nedbank Cup semi-final in front of a sold-out crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The win secured Pirates a spot in the final, which will take place at Mbombela Stadium on 1 June.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Riveiro acknowledged “tension” between the benches during the game.
However, he offered a rebuttal to Kopo’s claims. He remarked that non-footballing behaviour on the field led to the conflict between the two teams.
He maintained that his actions were solely to “protect” his players.
JOSE RIVEIRO SAYS HE WAS PROTECTING HIS PLAYERS
“There were moments of tensions between the benches because I was not comfortable with the situation inside the field with some behaviours and somethings that were happening during the game which for me are not related with football at all,” said Riveiro.
“And one of the things that belongs to my role is to try to protect my players and defend my players.”
He emphasised his usual calm demeanour: “I’m a quiet person, peaceful, extremely peaceful, but there are moments that you need to stand up and ask some questions about what’s going on, that’s all.
“Then he [Kopo] can give you the description of…I’m ready to hear the words that he said are abusive or not abusive.”
The 48-year-old coach Riveiro also pointed out that “swearing” occurred from both benches, not just Pirates’. He suggested the opponents struggled to accept defeat as the game unfolded differently than expected.
‘ORLANDO PIRATES’ BENCH WAS BEHAVING IN A CORRECT WAY’
“I feel nothing happened there out of the limit of competition, and the swearing came from every angle, not only from our bench,” he added.
“Things that happen during the game when the emotions are high and the motivation [was] so high before the match and now the things are not going the way you wanted or the way you were dreaming yesterday when you went to sleep.
“And suddenly you find the reality which is different, it’s difficult to control yourself, but I think the Orlando Pirates bench was behaving in a correct way, in a professional way and especially defending and protecting our players, which is our obligation.”
Pirates will find out their next opponents on Sunday afternoon when Stellenbosch FC welcome Mamelodi Sundowns at the Danie Craven Stadium at 3 pm.
RELATED STORY: Pirates coach Jose Riveiro accused of using shocking and abusive language
