FIFA has launched an investigation into the actions of Argentina’s players after they lost 1-0 to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.
FIFA plans to investigate Argentine players’ conduct after World Cup final (Image: Getty)
FIFA will investigate Argentina’s actions after the final whistle of the World Cup final. Lionel Scaloni’s side sparked widespread anger over the way they handled their 1-0 defeat against Spain at MetLife Stadium, with players allegedly becoming violent and even punching some opponents.
Leandro Paredes was shown a red card after the full-time whistle for putting his hand on Spain defender Eric Garcia’s throat and kicking him to the floor. The Argentina midfielder then violently collided with Gabi, appearing to hit him in the head before pushing him to the ground.
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was also involved in the post-match scuffle and appeared to punch Rodri as the Spanish captain ran towards him to celebrate his team’s victory. Molina appeared to punch Rodri in the stomach, infuriating the Manchester City star, who rushed in to confront Rodri.
In addition, 38-year-old Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi was furious and argued with Rodri about the pre-match comments he and Aymeric Laporte had made surrounding the referee.
That was before Argentine coach Roberto Ayala, who had a glittering career as a player, appeared to throw punches at Spanish attacker Dani Olmo along with Garcia, before forcing his way in and separating the pair.
However, Sky Sports has now reported that FIFA has launched an investigation following Argentina’s actions.
Leandro Paredes sent off after colliding with Eric Garcia (Image: Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United forward Alan Shearer slammed La Selección as “terrible” in his co-commentary on the BBC, and it is no exaggeration to say that the Argentine’s actions are not welcomed in England.
“Paredes threw two or three haymakers in someone’s face. He targeted them,” Shearer said. “There’s no place or space for that. We know how much it means to them and how much it hurts to lose, but there are ways to lose. We’ve seen it many times from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle was terrible.”
Meanwhile, former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville gave his opinion on the ruling on ITV.
“It’s a disgrace,” Neville said. “I love the competitive spirit of Argentines, fighting for their lives and wasting their lives. Messi supported them, but the last few games have been a disgrace.”
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart gave an honest assessment of Argentina’s actions when he worked for the BBC. “There was one man with class on the pitch, and that was Lionel Messi. He shook hands with all the Spanish players,” he said. “The game is over. They can’t complain at all about what happened today. It’s a terrible thing.”
Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandes was shown a red card, but Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute. In fact, Luis de la Fuente’s side deserved to be the winners in the end, having had 20 shots, 12 on target and four big chances in regulation and extra time.
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