FIFA have charged Argentina pair Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes following their roles in the unsavoury scenes that followed the World Cup final.
Charges Handed Down
Tensions boiled over at the MetLife Stadium in New York after the Spanish had claimed the second World Cup triumph courtesy of Ferran Torres' strike in extra-time. Argentina had been ill-tempered throughout and saw Enzo Fernandez sent-off in the final moments of regulation time.
But the two teams were involved in mass confrontations after the match, with Molina and Paredes singled out. FIFA have taken a look at the various incidents and come down with charges for the two men from Argentina.
Molina has been hit by two FIFA charges for assault, one count being completed and one count being attempted, as well as one count of unsporting behaviour. Paredes, who was shown red after the final whistle before it was later rescinded, has to deal with three counts of assault. Argentinian coach Ayala has been handed one count of assault and one count of unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Apology and Other Charges
Ayala later apologised on Valencia Capital Radio: "Of course I'm sorry. Given my position, I cannot allow a feeling, or whatever I might receive from the other party, to affect my mood or my actions." "For me, we need to draw a line and leave it at that. It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn't a punch as they're making it out to be. It was a reaction to something he said, but that's it. If I see him, I'll obviously apologise to him in person."
Spain midfielder Gavi is the only member of the victorious side to find himself in hot water as the Barcelona star was charged with one count of unsporting behaviour.
Condemnation and Further Proceedings
Argentina's conduct was widely condemned and Alan Shearer said on the BBC: "Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that. We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible."
FIFA have also opened up disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian FA for their display of a Falklands-themed banner against England during the World Cup. After downing the Three Lions in the last four several players paraded a banner which read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', which translates to 'The Falklands are Argentine'.
