FIFA has launched an investigation into Argentina's behaviour after the World Cup final, following a violent post-match brawl that saw players allegedly punching opponents and a coach throwing a punch.
The ugly scenes erupted at the MetLife Stadium after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 via Ferran Torres' extra-time strike. Leandro Paredes was shown a red card after placing his hand around Spain defender Eric Garcia's throat, kicking him to the floor, and then appearing to swipe at Gavi's head. Nahuel Molina also appeared to punch Rodri in the stomach as the Spain captain celebrated, sparking a furious confrontation. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala then seemed to throw a punch at Dani Olmo, with Garcia forced to separate them.
“FIFA investigates Argentina players after violent World Cup final brawl; 15.8m watched on BBC.”
Former England striker Alan Shearer, co-commentating for the BBC, called Argentina's conduct "terrible", saying: "Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. There is no place or space for that." Gary Neville told ITV it was "a disgrace", while ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart noted: "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."
Messi, in tears after the defeat, could not hide his emotions as his hopes of a second World Cup title ended. The BBC reported a peak audience of 15.8 million watched the final on BBC One and iPlayer, with a 64% share of TV viewing and an average of 13.9 million. The match was streamed 11.1 million times on iPlayer.
For Arsenal, the final has raised injury concerns. Defender William Saliba, who played for France in the bronze medal match, was forced off after 30 minutes against Spain with a back problem. Saliba admitted: "I've had some minor niggles for several months. I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League." Reports in France suggest he could be unavailable for four months. Arsenal also have eight players involved in the final weekend, including David Raya, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and England's Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.
With the new Premier League season just over a month away, Arsenal's defending champions face a anxious wait on Saliba's fitness. Mikel Arteta will hope his defensive cornerstone avoids surgery, which would mean a lengthy spell out.