Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has described the behaviour of Argentina players after Sunday’s World Cup final as “intolerable, unacceptable”, as Fifa launches an investigation into the ugly post-match scenes at MetLife Stadium.
Spain had just secured a 1-0 extra-time win through Ferran Torres when chaos erupted. Argentina’s Leandro Paredes kicked Spain defender Eric García to the floor and grabbed him around the neck – an incident that initially earned a red card, later rescinded, with the BBC reporting that no disciplinary action will be taken by Fifa. At the same time, Nahuel Molina was seen taking a swipe at Rodri, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala reportedly threw a punch at Dani Olmo.
“Spain boss De la Fuente calls Argentina's post-match attacks 'intolerable' as FIFA investigates.”
De la Fuente, speaking to Spanish television, admitted he was initially unaware of the skirmishes. “At the time, I didn’t realise it. I was celebrating, hugging team-mates,” he said. “But in any case, it is intolerable, unacceptable, it cannot be allowed. Players of that stature, whom I praised in the days leading up to the match and continue to praise, who are great players with a tremendous coach, surely they must have felt just as bad as we did seeing those reactions.” He praised his own players’ composure “in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation”.
Fifa has now confirmed it will examine the incidents. A statement said: “The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents. Further details will be communicated by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.” The scenes, widely shared on social media, have so far resulted in no sanctions against the Argentina players.
