With Britain on eight points and Spain seven going into the game, whoever won would progress to the semi-finals, with a draw suiting the hosts.

In the event Britain progressed after a 1-1 draw, but they had to survive intense pressure in the final moments.

Spain won five penalty corners in the last 10 minutes, but the last of the two were subsequently withdrawn by the umpire, which prompted anger from the Spanish.

Their players furiously remonstrated with match officials, whilst Martin ran onto the pitch at the end of the game to voice his anger (pictured top).

After the match Martin said that Negre, also a Spaniard, owed his team an explanation.

Britain's Nicholas Catlin (white) battles with the Spanish players during the controversial 1-1 draw

"We are in a tournament where there are clear favourites and these countries are being favoured," he said.

"If the President of the FIH does not give a public explanation of what has happened there will be very serious consequences."

Since then Bjorn Isberg, the tournament's technical director, met with Martin to discuss his comments.

"Dani Martin apologised for any misunderstanding of his comments," tournament officials said in a statement.

"After a discussion, Isberg felt that no formal disciplinary hearing was necessary."

The draw was enough to give Britain a first semi-final since 1988, when they won the hockey gold in Seoul.

They face the Netherlands in the second semi-final this evening to decide who will meet reigning champions Germany in the final.

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