Lamine Yamal mocked Leandro Paredes during Spain's celebrations in Madrid by holding up a fan-made banner that read: "Velada del ano VII: Paredes vs Gavi." Velada del Ano is a celebrity boxing event in Spain.
Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner in extra time. After the final whistle, Paredes was caught on camera shoving Eric Garcia in the throat and throwing Gavi to the ground. It was reported that he had been shown a red card, but it was later wiped from the record and no disciplinary action was taken by FIFA.
FIFA investigation and Argentina's potential punishment
FIFA has since confirmed an investigation into the unsavoury scenes, meaning Argentina could face retrospective punishment. It remains to be seen if FIFA will hand down a retrospective punishment, given that Argentina are yet to be sanctioned for holding up a political banner about the Falkland Islands following their semi-final victory over England.
Paredes refuses to apologise
Paredes has been widely condemned for his brutish behaviour in the final, but he refused to apologise for his conduct in a lengthy message to Argentina supporters on social media. Making no mention of his post-match meltdown, 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."
He added: "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."
