Steve Cooper ‘said to have received’ apology after Bosnia row before Wales World Cup play-off | OneFootball

Steve Cooper is said to have received an apology from Benjamin Tahirovic after claims the Brondby manager limited the midfielder’s minutes ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup qualifier with Wales. According to talkSPORT, the Bosnia international phoned Cooper to apologise.

Cooper left Tahirovic out of Brondby’s 0-0 draw with Aarhus Gymnastikforening on Sunday, which prompted Bosnia boss Sergej Barbarez to allege the decision favoured Wales. Barbarez said Tahirovic had relayed remarks about the coach’s roots, and that well-wishes were directed to the club but not the national team.

Cooper had already explained his stance last week, citing a disciplinary issue. "It's a shame. Such situations are never good, but unfortunately, it's the right thing to do," he told TV 2 Sport. "The team, the club, the traditions and the values are always the most important thing."

Brondby’s communications chief Soren Hanghoi also rejected the allegation. "This is quite a far-reaching speculation," he said. "It is a club decision that has been made jointly by an entire coaching team and the sporting management. And there are not that many Wales fans in Brondby after all."

Wales face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup qualification play-off at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 26 March. Victory would set up a home tie against either Northern Ireland or Italy on Tuesday 31 March for a place at this summer’s tournament in North America.

Source: Wales Online