Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente criticized Argentina’s players’ actions during and after the World Cup final. Last Sunday, De La Fuente’s team defeated the 2022 champions 1-0 in New Jersey, but overtime was needed to decide the winner.
There were scenes of chaos after the final whistle, with Argentina star Leandro Paredes being shown a red card for kicking Spanish defender Eric Garcia to the floor and then grabbing the Barcelona star by the throat. Paredes had another argument with Spain midfielder Gabi.
However, the BBC later reported that the red card had been rescinded and that FIFA would not take any disciplinary action.
More drama ensued after the final whistle, with Nahuel Molina appearing to swipe Rodri and Argentina coach Roberto Ayala allegedly throwing a punch at Dani Olmo.
De la Fuente talks about what happened after the final whistle in the World Cup final, with the Spain coach criticizing Argentina’s actions.
“I didn’t realize it at the time, I was celebrating by hugging my teammates,” de la Fuente said in an interview with Spanish TV.
“But either way, this is intolerable, unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Players of that stature, who I admired in the days leading up to the game and continue to admire to this day, who are great players with great coaches, I’m sure they felt as bad as we did to see that reaction.
“I would like to highlight our behavior in the face of such aggression and provocation. Our players always remained calm and behaved like true professionals.”
FIFA has since issued a statement confirming that it will investigate the post-match scene after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup final.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FDC in connection with the post-match incident,” FIFA said in a statement.
“Further details will be provided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report is complete.”
