Argentina’s players were involved in a mass confrontation with Spain’s substitutes at the end of the World Cup final, with several players set to face disciplinary action from FIFA
Argentina were slammed as “classless” after their players seemed to turn their backs while Spain hoisted the World Cup trophy following a bad-tempered World Cup final that spiralled into mayhem.
The Argentine squad lost their composure when the final whistle sounded as violence broke out and spectators were left horrified. Astonishingly, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni insisted his players showed dignity in defeat after the encounter.
The former champions’ title defence concluded with a 1-0 defeat to Spain, but the aftermath was overshadowed by disgraceful scenes both directly after the final whistle and throughout the trophy ceremony.
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Ex-England defender Stuart Pearce was amongst those left shocked as Argentina’s players positioned themselves with their backs to the stage while Spain celebrated alongside US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Pearce said: “When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift,” reports Wales Online.
“That probably tells you a great deal, doesn’t it?”. Presenter Adrian Durham was even more scathing, saying: “Yeah, no class, whatsoever. They’ve been absolutely shocking.
“They’ve been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, also when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi’s name and they were singing Argentina as well.
“They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final.” The trophy presentation followed extraordinary scenes that unfolded on the pitch at the final whistle.
As Spain’s substitutes raced onto the field to celebrate, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch towards Spain captain Rodri’s midriff.
Rodri halted and confronted Molina, who then squared up to the midfielder and shoved him in the chest, triggering a mass brawl.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who had already been cautioned during the final and was lucky to escape a second yellow card, then became the focal point of the fracas.
The 32-year-old appeared to strike Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat before Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni dashed over trying to pull the players apart.
Seconds later, Paredes turned his focus to Gavi, grappling the Spain midfielder to the turf before seemingly pushing him in the face while clutching his substitute’s bib.
Spain forward Borja Iglesias was amongst those who stepped in as players from both teams joined the scuffle.
Paredes was reportedly brandished a red card following the violence, with several Argentine players, including Enzo Fernandez who was dismissed during the match, now facing potential disciplinary action.
FIFA will examine the unsavoury incidents as standard procedure and could sanction the Argentine FA for losing control of their players.
The chaotic incidents seemed at variance with Argentina manager Scaloni’s evaluation of his team’s conduct following the match. “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose,” Scaloni stated.
“We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.” His remarks were met with surprise considering the confrontations at the final whistle.