World Cup 2010: Domenech snubs Parreira handshake

Parreira explains Domenech snub

Raymond Domenech's unpopular reign as France coach ended in new acrimony when he refused to shake the hand of South Africa boss Carlos Alberto Parreira.

The snub occurred after the World Cup hosts earned a 2-1 win over the French, with both teams being knocked out.

"I was very polite at the end of the game but he claimed I had offended him," said Parreira. "I cannot for the life of me understand why."

France's Football Federation will hold an inquiry into their woeful campaign.

Parreira, who was also stepping down from his role, approached Domenech after the final whistle and extended his hand for the post-game tradition.

French people need to know the truth because the France team belongs to them and nobody else France captain Patrice Evra

But Domenech turned his back, wagged his finger and then the two exchanged words for some time, with Parreira briefly grabbing the Frenchman's jacket.

Domenech did not give a reason for his refusal to shake Parreira's hand, only claiming he wanted to "greet the players" after the defeat.

However, Parreira said it related to a perceived slight about the manner in which France had qualified for the World Cup.

"One of his assistants said I had commented on Thierry Henry's handball [in a play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland] and that France should not be in the finals but I do not recall making these remarks," stated the Brazilian.

Domenech's behaviour towards the respected Parreira was one of many causes for criticism of the coach in the French press on Wednesday.

"On the eve of the match Domenech had called for France to play with honour and dignity in their final match," wrote Le Parisien.

Highlights: France 1-2 South Africa

"Yesterday evening, in his final gesture as national team coach Raymond Domenech lacked once more all those principles."

Sports daily L'Equipe accused Domenech of "arrogance and an attitude of contempt for others".

The episode provided an ignominious denouement to a disastrous French campaign, marred by infighting and inept displays on the field.

Domenech, who is leaving after six years to be replaced by former France captain Laurent Blanc, said he felt "a great sadness" at the way events had unfolded.

After an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Uruguay, problems in the France squad escalated when striker Nicolas Anelka argued with Domenech during their 2-0 defeat by Mexico.

The Chelsea man was sent home and the players subsequently boycotted a training session on Sunday.

After a bust-up with Patrice Evra following Anelka's expulsion, Domenech left the France captain out of the team to face South Africa.

606: DEBATE Their actions brought disgrace to their country and their coach shows complete disrespect towards his players and fellow managers vanhelsing

"We wasted too much energy [in the events preceding the match]. It is not the time for settling accounts," stated Domenech, who was in charge of France when they were beaten on penalties by Italy in the 2006 World Cup final.

"A word for the French people? Just to say that I am sad, that this team has real potential, I wish good luck to my successor.

"I love the France team. It will not die, it will continue forever. It has all the ingredients to succeed."

French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes promised to hold a meeting in July to determine responsibility for France's embarrassing World Cup campaign.

"Everyone will go before the federal council, the president, the players, the coach, the medical staff, to see who is responsible," confirmed Escalettes. "There will probably be sanctions but I can't pre-empt what the council will decide.

"What upsets me the most is the psychodrama of last weekend," added the FFF president, referring to Sunday's training boycott.

Gourcuff sees red for elbow

"Where, for me, 50 years of values crumbled. I thought at the time of this shame that football brought to France - that's far worse than poor results."

However, it is likely details will emerge about happened within the French camp in South Africa well before the FFF meeting.

"I promise to tell the truth about every minute of what I went through," said Manchester United defender Evra. "French people need to know the truth because the France team belongs to them and nobody else.

"It's time for us to apologise. It hurts even more because that could have been done on Monday. I could have done it as the team captain but the coach would not let me."

Evra also revealed the French squad, would give up any World Cup bonuses. According to the agreement signed with the FFF, the players would not receive a bonus for failing to reach the second round but could have benefited from marketing revenue generated by the squad.

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda also apologised for the events that hampered France's tournament.

The end of the road for France

Malouda told French television: "Our behaviour wasn't exemplary. I want to apologise to the fans on behalf of the players."

Despite fielding a much-changed side against South Africa, France still failed to shine and their World Cup was all but over when Yoan Gourcuff was sent off for using his elbow against MacBeth Sibaya - a decision that left Domenech burying his face in his hands.

"There was a low blow with the sending-off of Gourcuff and when things don't go for you they just don't go for you," commented Domenech.

After his reign came to an end with only one point and one goal from three games, Domenech will now head home to face an inquisition from the French media.

But the coach's parting message to his players was one of praise.

"They showed real heart, real fight, real generosity of spirit out there today," stated Domenech.