Spain midfielder Gavi has said Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should not be suspended for his role in the ugly post-match brawl that marred Sunday’s World Cup final, as Fifa launches a disciplinary investigation into the chaos.
Spain had just sealed their second World Cup with Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal when the final whistle sparked violent scenes. Nahuel Molina struck Rodri, and then Paredes appeared to push Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. Unused substitute Gavi tried to intervene but was forced to the ground by Thiago Almada.
“Gavi backs Paredes as Fifa investigates post-match brawl in World Cup final.”
“I don’t think he should be suspended,” Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE. “I understand it’s not a good image for children but I think there’s also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive. The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match and that’s it. In the end, I think it’s all football and it has to be that way.”
The melee also involved Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who clashed with Barcelona’s Dani Olmo. Footage appeared to show Ayala throwing a punch, but the former defender insisted it was “more of a push than anything else”.
“Obviously I’m sorry,” Ayala told Esports Migdia on Valencia Capital Radio. “It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person. … My intention was to go and separate them, that was my intention, but sometimes things happen and emotions run high, but that’s no excuse. And given my position, my behaviour has to be different, regardless of what I receive.”
Fifa has confirmed it will investigate potential disciplinary breaches. A statement said: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the Fifa World Cup final … 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.”
Any player or coach involved could face a suspension, while the Argentine Football Association could also be fined. Paredes was briefly recorded as having been sent off on Fifa’s commentator information system, but the red card was deleted shortly afterwards and Fifa confirmed to BBC Sport no action was taken at the time. Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was dismissed during the final, receiving a second yellow card in added time.
The incident comes as a sour note on an otherwise triumphant night for Spain, but Gavi’s plea for leniency may carry weight as the sport’s governing body weighs its next move.