A new video clip has emerged showing Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala swinging a punch at Spain star Dani Olmo as the World Cup final descended into chaos at full-time. The incident adds to the growing list of unsavoury behaviour from the Argentine camp following their 1-0 defeat to Spain.
Chaos Erupts After Full-Time
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game with a close-range strike in extra-time after the holders and European champions both failed to score in normal time. Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time, and Torres then bagged early into the second period of extra-time. Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were both involved in post-match brawls, with Paredes appearing to throw punches.
While that incident took centre stage, the latest clip shows Ayala swinging his right arm in the direction of Olmo. Eric Garcia quickly intervened to defuse the situation after Olmo successfully avoided the attempted punch.
Pundits Condemn Argentina's 'Disgusting' Behaviour
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart labelled Argentina's behaviour 'disgusting'. He said: '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.'
Hart added: 'Spain fully deserve it. They have been absolutely superb all tournament. They have dominated all game against a rigid, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup.'
Wayne Rooney also slammed Argentina's behaviour, saying: 'Does it surprise you? It doesn't surprise me. We've seen this with Argentina before. It's just not the reaction you want. We've seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That's just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It's really poor from them.'
Paredes and Molina Also Involved
Paredes was dismissed after the final whistle, while Molina likewise appeared to launch a punch following the match. The latter took a swipe at Rodri, while Paredes was seen booting Eric Garcia to the ground before shoving him back with a hand around his neck when the Barcelona defender tried to confront him. Paredes was also spotted in an altercation with Gavi.
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley raged: 'Argentina were a complete and utter disgrace today, both with their performance and their antics. We expected the antics, we expected the thuggery, we expected the off the ball stuff, but we also expected a lot more on the ball, a lot more purpose... they were an utter shambles, disgusting, disgraceful. I'm so pleased Spain won. It was a disgusting performance [from Argentina].'
