Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was shown a red card for punching and kicking Spanish players Eric Garcia and Gavi in ugly scenes after the final whistle of the World Cup final. Spain had just won 1-0 thanks to Ferran Torres’ goal in the second half of extra time, securing their second World Cup title.
Second Red Card for Argentina
This was Argentina’s second sending-off of the match. Enzo Fernandez, the Chelsea midfielder, received a second yellow card just before the end of normal time for a rash challenge on Pau Cubarsi. He had earlier been booked for dissent. Argentina played the entire extra period with ten men.
Despite their efforts to hold on for penalties, Torres’ winner sparked chaotic celebrations and confrontations. Spanish players ran onto the pitch, and Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to punch Spain’s Rodri in the stomach. Rodri reacted and turned to confront Molina, with Garcia rushing to separate them. Paredes then joined the fracas, kicking and grabbing Garcia by the throat. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried to diffuse the melee.
Gavi and Paredes Clash
Unused Spain substitute Gavi intervened and pushed Paredes, who retaliated by throwing punches and pushing the 21-year-old to the ground. Players from both teams then separated the pair. Referee Slavko Vincic issued a red card to Paredes for his actions.
BBC pundit Wayne Rooney commented, “Does it surprise you? It doesn't surprise me, I think we've seen this with Argentina before and it's just not the reaction you want. … If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It's very poor from them.”
Pundits Condemn Behavior
Joe Hart added, “Disgusting. There was one man on the pitch who did have class, and that was Lionel Messi – shook hands of every one of those Spanish players. … The game's done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
Micah Richards said, “It's quite embarrassing really … Yes, they know Spain are a better team on the ball, but what can they do to destruct them off the ball? … Paredes there, he doesn't need to do that, he's better than that. … This is not good enough, it's not a good look at all.”
