Spain star Lamine Yamal mocked Leandro Paredes with a fake boxing fight sign during the World Cup victory parade, days after Paredes was involved in a brawl in the final.
World Cup final drama
Spain secured the World Cup on Sunday in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres' goal sealing victory in extra time. Argentina had two men sent off: Enzo Fernandez was dismissed for two bookable offences including a horrendous tackle on Pau Cubarsi, and Paredes was sent off for angry clashes with both Eric Garcia and Gavi after the full-time whistle.
Yamal's mockery
During Spain's open-top bus parade, Yamal appeared to mock the Argentina midfielder with a sign reading: "Velada del ano VII: Paredes vs Gav." The Velada del Ano is a boxing event similar to the UK's Misfits.
Paredes responds
Paredes, 32, has spoken out in the aftermath of Argentina's World Cup heartbreak but refused to apologise for his actions. Taking to social media, he wrote: "THANK YOU, ARGENTINA!!! I LOVE YOU, TODAY AND ALWAYS. 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."
FIFA investigation
FIFA have launched an investigation into the incident with potential disciplinary breaches having been identified. A statement from world football's governing body read: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), 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."
Paredes is not the only one in possible trouble after the final at MetLife Stadium. Teammate Nahuel Molina was also seen throwing a punch towards Rodri as he ran to celebrate with his Spain teammates at the full-time whistle.
