BBC and ITV pundits have united in condemning Argentina's behaviour as 'disgusting' following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The defending champions, led by Lionel Messi, lost 1-0 in extra time in New Jersey after Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute. The match was marred by unsavoury scenes, including the sending off of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez just before extra time for a second yellow card, and post-match altercations involving Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina.
Post-Match Altercations and Pundit Reactions
At full-time, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina struck Spain midfielder Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate. Leandro Paredes also grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and threw Gavi to the ground. BBC pundit and former England goalkeeper Joe Hart said: 'There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.' Hart added: 'Spain fully deserve it. They have been absolutely superb all tournament. They have dominated all game against a rigid, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup.'
Rooney and Richards Weigh In
Fellow BBC pundit and former England star Wayne Rooney said: 'Does it surprise you? It doesn't surprise me. We've seen this with Argentina before. It's just not the reaction you want. We've seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That's just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It's really poor from them.' Rooney continued: 'That's a reaction to them being outplayed, out-fought, out-thought on the football pitch, and then they resort to that at the end. It's poor from those two players.' Micah Richards added: 'It's quite embarrassing really. In the game, they were just on the cusp every single time. Paredes doesn't need to do that, he's better than that, and it doesn't stop there – it keeps going and going and going. We all know what it's like to lose a game, we can be very frustrated, but this is not good enough – it's not a good look at all.'
ITV Pundits Echo Criticism
ITV's pundits shared similar views. Gary Neville singled out Paredes' behaviour for criticism, saying: 'They're very competitive and I love that element of them, but (Paredes) has just been a disgrace for the last couple of games, and why the referees have allowed him to continue doing what he is doing…' ITV co-commentator Lee Dixon accused Argentina of 'anti-football' and questioned how Paredes remained on the pitch. He said: 'You have to say, especially after those scenes just then, well done Spain. Football has been the winner, there's no doubt about that. They're a deserved team to win it on the day. Throughout the tournament they've gotten better and better, conceding one goal in a World Cup tournament just says everything you need to know about how organised and creative they are. They've got pace down the wings and they're good to watch. On the other hand, today, Argentina were just anti-football, and the scenes at the end, how Paredes is still on the pitch, I'll never know. I made out six or seven times he should have been sent off. (Messi's) legacy coming to an end. Wasn't as his best today, wasn't allowed to be.'
Context of Argentina's Previous Behaviour
Argentina were previously criticised for their aggressive behaviour during their 2-1 semi-final win over England, after which players unveiled a banner claiming sovereignty of the Falklands Islands. FIFA investigated the banner later. The incidents in the final have drawn widespread condemnation from pundits across both BBC and ITV.
