Leandro Paredes has sparked fresh outrage after appearing to kick a ball at an opposing player during a Boca Juniors match, weeks after being involved in chaotic scenes at the end of the World Cup final against Spain.
The 32-year-old Argentina international played 14 minutes in Sunday's match against Central Cordoba, but controversy was never far away. A video circulating on social media appears to show Paredes deliberately kicking the ball at an opponent just as the player was getting back to his feet after a foul.
World Cup final flashpoint
In the World Cup final, after Spain's 1-0 extra-time win, Paredes became embroiled in a heated confrontation with several Spain players. Broadcast footage appeared to show him throwing punches at Gavi before dragging him to the ground. Reports at the time suggested he had been shown a red card, though no such sanction has yet appeared on FIFA's website.
The governing body has, however, confirmed he has been charged over the incident and now faces a potential ban.
Mixed reactions online
Opinion is split on whether the latest incident was intentional or simply an attempt to clear the ball. The clip has triggered a frenzy online, with supporters quick to make their feelings known.
One supporter online said: "He doesn't like it when the same thing is done to him, so he can see how many players he's done the same to, and he doesn't like a taste of his own medicine." There were, however, some fans who came to his defence over the initial incident.
One argued: "The ref hadn't blown the whistle yet. The ball was in play he cleared the ball. The player went down and came back up immediately. This is being blown out of proportion." A second concurred: "If you watch the video with audio, it's clear that he cleared the ball before the whistle was blown."
Paredes' response
Paredes has yet to publicly address the fracas following the World Cup final, instead choosing in the days afterwards to take to social media to post a message. 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."
