Argentina duo Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes may face potential disciplinary action following the ugly brawl that erupted on the pitch after Spain’s World Cup final victory. The reigning European champions secured their second World Cup title on Sunday, their first since 2010, thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal.
Violent scenes after full-time whistle
Violent scenes broke out immediately after the full-time whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Argentina defender Molina appeared to swing a punch into the stomach of Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate. The pair then angrily squared up to each other as shoving ensued, with further chaos quickly erupting.
Paredes was seen grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing Gavi to the floor as Argentina tempers boiled over at the end of a feisty encounter. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez had been shown a red card in second-half stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
Pundits condemn Argentina's behaviour
Gary Neville labelled Paredes as a “disgrace” for his behaviour at full-time. “It's a disgrace,” Neville said on ITV. “I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives. [Lionel] Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games.”
On the BBC’s World Cup final coverage, Joe Hart 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.”
Fellow BBC pundit Wayne Rooney added: “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.”
Potential FIFA sanctions
Paredes and Molina could both now be in hot water with FIFA as they review the regrettable scenes that occurred following the final. Argentina could also face retrospective action for failing to control their players. The previous World Cup holders also turned their backs on Spain’s trophy lift at the end of a game that saw Argentina fail to register a single shot on target.
