Violent scenes plagued the final stages of the World Cup final (Image: Getty)
Spain won the World Cup at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, but it will be Argentina’s actions that will be remembered the most. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in a match that often lacked entertainment, but fireworks went off at the final whistle.
Argentina had already drawn criticism for its approach and brutal tackling throughout the tournament, but few expected the punches to be thrown after failing at the final hurdle of the tournament. A red mist descended on Leandro Paredes, Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and threw Gabi to the ground, and Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Rodri.
Even former international Roberto Ayala, a member of the coaching staff, appeared to punch Dani Olmo in the face. And given the embarrassing scenes, it seems likely that penalties will be imposed as FIFA has confirmed they will investigate the incident.
“Following an evaluation of the relevant match report for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FDC in relation to post-match incidents, pursuant to Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),” FIFA said in a statement on Monday.
That being said, our writers have decided what punishment should await.
scott trotter
Much has been said about Argentina throughout the tournament. Much of it was pretentious and hypocritical about wrongdoing. However, the full-time World Cup final scenes were shameful and those involved should be severely punished.
It’s almost unbelievable that an all-out brawl didn’t break out in what should have been one of the most emotional moments in football – the world’s best team had just been crowned. Paredes, Molina and others should be facing long-term suspensions. I’d like to see some of that suspension secured for the next World Cup as well, but it’s probably unlikely that either will still be in the team after four years if Argentina want to remain competitive.
Luis Suarez was suspended for nine internationals after biting Giorgi Chiellini, while Mauro Tasotti was suspended for eight games for elbowing Luis Enrique in 1994. A similar award could be given here, but given that the match was already over, FIFA may decide to penalize them.
Paredes clashes with multiple Spanish stars (Image: Getty)
Kieran Horne
Argentina’s gamesmanship tactics during World Cup matches have been frowned upon, but they are almost admirable for going to any lengths to win.
But as soon as the final whistle blows, it’s over and you have to show respect. What a select few Argentine players have done is absolutely disgraceful.
The players and staff who literally threw punches should be suspended for at least five games, and the federation itself should be fined a hefty sum.
I would argue that those deeply involved should stop playing football for a period of time to really send a message, but FIFA may not have that power over other governing bodies.
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Bruna Reis
Argentina’s disgraceful conduct during and after the World Cup final crossed a clear line from competitive condemnation to completely unsporting conduct. FIFA cannot afford to ignore this with a slap on the wrist, and targeted sanctions are essential if the health of future finals is to matter.
Full-time brawling was not a “passion.” They were a breakdown of professionalism on world football’s biggest stage. If FIFA ignores this, it will send a message to players that the World Cup final is a stage in which results are completely irrelevant. The suspension isn’t harsh. This is necessary to prevent this type of behavior.
That is why the actions of Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, who participated in the melee, cannot be ignored. A hefty fine and multi-match suspension would be a fair and proportionate response, and would be an important step in preventing this type of disorder from becoming the norm.
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kieran king
In my opinion, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes should be suspended for at least 11 international soccer matches. His actions during and after the World Cup final loss to Spain were disgusting and should not be tolerated in the sport we love.
First, I think Paredes should have been sent off in normal time for a foul that required at least a second yellow card. At full-time, the Boca Juniors man appeared to grab Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat before forcing Gabi to the floor. That is unacceptable and deserves serious backlash. I would suspend him for 11 games. Same as Eric Cantona who pushed the referee down. One altercation was bad enough, but two subsequent altercations become inexcusable and warrant a long suspension.
Along with Paredes’ suspension, I think Nahuel Molina should also receive retroactive punishment for hitting Rodri. I don’t think Molina’s incident is as serious or egregious as Paredes, but I think Molina should be given at least a three-game suspension, similar to a straight red card. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala then allegedly punched Spanish attacker Dani Olmo, which to me amounts to an automatic suspension from the touchline, if not a ban from the stadium for at least three games. As for Argentina as a whole, I would like to give them a huge fine and a fine large enough to have an impact so that this kind of behavior never happens again.
Nahuel Molina appears as the main character in the violent scenes (Image: Getty)
mark wakefield
There is no excuse for the actions of some Argentine players after the final whistle in the World Cup final. Show respect to your opponent, no matter how much it hurts to lose, or even if they are nearby celebrating.
This is shameful and FIFA should take action, including suspending the players involved. If you don’t, you’re sending the message that players won’t be punished if they act the same way again.
FIFA needs to make clear that there is no place for violence in matches. The length of the suspension will depend on the severity of the violation, but it should last at least a few games.
conor o’neill
FIFA must throw the book at Argentina. It’s that simple. Their antics throughout the entire tournament, let alone Sunday, were disgusting.
But what happened Sunday was hardly surprising. Argentina were very lucky against England. Some decisions went my way. Had they been tougher in that semifinal, Sunday night’s final might have been better.
What Argentina created was the very definition of “anti-football.” There is no doubt that Enzo Fernandes will receive a one-match suspension for his red card, but FIFA should also hand down both Leandro Paredes and Roberto Ayala.
Paredes should be given a ban of at least five games, and Ayala should be given the same, as FIFA needs to get tough on Argentina and show they are not messing around.
