New footage has emerged showing Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala throwing a punch at Spain's Dani Olmo during the chaotic scenes that followed the World Cup final, in which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The defending champions were defeated by a 106th-minute goal from Ferran Torres, but the match was marred by unsavoury incidents. Enzo Fernandez was sent off just before extra time for a second yellow card, and at full-time, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were involved in clashes.
Ayala's Punch and Pundits' Outrage
Footage shows Ayala, one of Lionel Scaloni's assistants, swinging his right arm towards Olmo. The Barcelona star did not retaliate, and teammate Eric Garcia intervened as a peacekeeper. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart labelled Argentina's behaviour 'disgusting' on BBC. 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.'
Further Incidents and Criticism
Paredes was sent off after the whistle for kicking Eric Garcia to the floor and then pushing him back with a hand around his neck when Garcia attempted to confront him. Molina also appeared to throw a punch at Rodri. Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley fumed on BBC: '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.'
Wayne Rooney also criticised the behaviour: '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.'
Argentina's Pattern of Misconduct
This incident follows a pattern of unsportsmanlike conduct from Argentina in the tournament. Earlier, they were criticised for their aggressive tactics against England in the previous round. The World Cup final defeat marks the end of their reign as champions, with Spain now crowned as the best team in the world.
