Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has criticised the behaviour of Argentina players during and after the World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0 in New Jersey after extra time.
Chaotic scenes followed the final whistle, with Argentina's Leandro Paredes shown a red card after kicking Spain defender Eric Garcia and grabbing him by the throat. Paredes then had another altercation with Spain midfielder Gavi. However, a BBC report has since claimed the red card has been removed and FIFA will take no disciplinary action.
De la Fuente speaks out
Further drama included Nahuel Molina appearing to swipe at Rodri, and Argentina coach Roberto Ayala allegedly throwing a punch at Dani Olmo.
De la Fuente, speaking to Spanish TV, said: "At the time, I didn't realise it. I was celebrating, hugging team-mates. But in any case, it is intolerable, unacceptable, it cannot be allowed. Players of that stature, whom I praised in the days leading up to the match and continue to praise, who are great players with a tremendous coach, surely they must have felt just as bad as we did seeing those reactions."
He added: "I want to highlight our behaviour in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation. Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals."
FIFA investigation confirmed
FIFA has issued a statement confirming it will investigate the post-match scenes at MetLife Stadium. The statement read: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents. Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed."
