Argentina are facing the prospect of double suspensions after Enzo Fernandez and Leandro Paredes were sent off during the World Cup final defeat to Spain. Spain won 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time after a goalless 90 minutes.
Red cards mar Argentina's defeat
Fernandez was sent off in the closing moments of normal time after receiving two yellow cards. Paredes was shown a red card after the final whistle for kicking Eric Garcia to the floor and appearing to place his hand around the Spain defender's throat before pushing Gavi to the ground.
Argentina will now see both players serve suspensions. Fernandez's two yellow cards typically result in a one-match ban, which is expected to be applied to the Chelsea midfielder. For Paredes, the nature of his sending off could lead to a lengthier ban.
FIFA rules on carry-over suspensions
Since the World Cup has concluded, any suspensions not served during the tournament will be carried over to Argentina's next official match, according to FIFA rules. The FIFA Disciplinary Code states: "Any suspension that cannot be served during the FIFA World Cup 26 will be carried over to the representative team's next official match."
Pundits condemn Paredes' behaviour
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer, on commentary for the BBC, said: "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."
Manchester United legend Gary Neville, on punditry duty for ITV, added: "It's a disgrace. I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it's been a disgrace the last few games."
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart also gave a blunt verdict on the BBC: "There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour."
