Spain midfielder Gavi has issued a surprising response to being attacked by Leandro Paredes in the aftermath of the World Cup final. The Barcelona midfielder had been a non-playing substitute on Sunday as La Roja dethroned Argentina following a tense but thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory.
Gavi's response
While Spain rightly celebrated their coronation, Argentina’s players and coaching staff reacted in disgraceful fashion, targeting the likes of Gavi and Dani Olmo and turning their backs on the trophy lift. FIFA have launched an investigation into Argentina’s conduct with bans and suspensions not out of the question. Gavi, however, who was on the receiving end of some particularly roughhouse treatment from Leandro Paredes would prefer to see the world governing body show leniency.
'I don’t think they should be sanctioned,' he said. 'I understand it’s not a good image for children, but that’s part of football. Perhaps the most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match.'
Hamann calls for severe punishment
Former Germany international Didi Hamann, meanwhile, is of the opinion that Argentina disgraced themselves and FIFA should throw the book at Paredes, as well as several of his teammates. He said: 'I would suspend them both for a year and then let them decide if they want to return. But this kind of behavior is unacceptable. This must be punished, and they shouldn’t be too lenient. I would suspend them both for twelve months. They have destroyed much of the goodwill they had gained, largely thanks to Messi, of course.'
Paredes shows no remorse
Hatchet man Paredes, himself showing little sign of remorse on Tuesday, released a statement outlining his pride at having represented his country throughout the tournament. 'Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves 😔—but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! 💪🏽 Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team—to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! 💪🏽 It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.'
