The Most Controversial Final We’ve Ever Seen?

Jan 20, 2026 • 1:15:40

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Episode Notes

On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett react to one of the most talked-about nights in recent international football — the controversial AFCON 2026 Final.

The discussion centres on the dramatic scenes that followed the match, including Senegal walking off, a decisive penalty moment, and the fallout surrounding Brahim Díaz’s missed spot-kick, which drew huge attention for his attempted Panenka. The guys also reflect on the wider controversy that followed — from the suspension of the Senegal head coach, to the extraordinary touchline scenes involving Morocco’s ball boys and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, whose towels kept being stolen by Moroccan ball-boys.

Martin offers a perspective on how finals can unravel under pressure, why emotions run highest on the biggest stages, and how moments like these quickly become part of football folklore.

Elsewhere in the episode, Neil names his All-Time African Premier League XI, celebrating the enormous impact African players have had on the English game, while there’s also reaction to Real Madrid’s shock Copa del Rey exit at the hands of much smaller opposition — a reminder of why knockout football continues to deliver the unexpected.

A wide-ranging episode covering controversy, heritage, pressure, and the moments that make football impossible to look away from.

Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announcer and football journalist) alongside the voice of the Premier League, Martin Tyler in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World!

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