Argentina flops punch Spain stars in ‘disgusting’ brawl after dropping World Cup remaining
Argentine flops threw punches at Spain’s World Cup winners as ugly scenes overshadowed celebrations following the full-time whistle
Leandro Paredes threw punches
Punches were thrown after the full-time whistle in the World Cup final as Spain’s celebrations at MetLife Stadium turned ugly.
Moments after Spain were confirmed as world champions, the Spanish bench charged onto the pitch to celebrate – when footage picked up Leandro Paredes seemingly punching one of the subs as they ran past.
Rodri, who had been subbed off during extra-time, saw the movement and turned to square up to the Argentine. The pair went face-to-face as more players pilled into the ugly scenes.
The World Cup final ended in chaos(Image: TV)
Paredes was then seen trying to grab Gavi with some reports suggesting Nahuel Molina was also throwing punches at the Spanish players.
Speaking on the BBC, Alan Shearer said: “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.
“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible!”
Leandro Paredes was sent off for his part in the brawl(Image: Getty Images)
Over on ITV, Gary Neville added: “I love the competitiveness of the Argentines but Paredes has been a disgrace the last couple of games.”
Joe Hart, who was a pundit on the BBC, labelled it as a “disgrace” as Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney agreed with his assessment.
Sky Sports Journalist Dan Long added: “I’ve had another look at the replays of what happened after the final whistle.
Rodri had been at the centre of the brawl(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
“Leandro Paredes appears to kick Eric Garcia to the deck, then catch him in the face with a punch when the Spaniard gets back to his feet to confront him.
“A Spain substitute then gets held back by another Argentina player, before Paredes comes in, rips his bib and swings for him twice, catching him in the face, too.
“He can surely expect the book to be thrown at him. Shocking behaviour.”
Paredes was sent off after the whistle for his part, while Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni tried to get his players off the pitch and back into the changing rooms.
Argentina had already finished the game with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was given his marching orders during the clash.
