SerpApi.Org
World Cup winner Gavi has taken the high road after being wrestled to the ground by Leandro Paredes and has asked FIFA not to discipline the Argentina midfielder for his conduct.
Spain stars Gavi and Eric Garcia were both involved in a physical altercation with Paredes after the World Cup final, as the Argentina midfielder grabbed one by the throat before wrestling the other. No card was shown to Paredes after the final whistle, but FIFA is conducting an investigation.
Paredes has already returned home to Argentina and is back in training with Boca Juniors, and refused to apologize for his actions despite facing severe backlash. Gavi, who was part of the Spain team that beat Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup, is eager to move on immediately.
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Spain needed extra time to beat Argentina in the World Cup final, as Ferran Torres became the hero in the 106th minute. However, Spain dominated the game, and Argentina didn't take its first shot until the 115th minute as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had a stellar performance.
Argentina resorted to a physical style of play to disrupt Spain, and after coming on as a substitute at halftime, Paredes was shown a yellow card in the 52nd minute. He was lucky to stay on the field until the final whistle, and then lost his cool with Gavi and Garcia.
Paredes has faced backlash for his actions after the final whistle, and he could be suspended by FIFA. However, Gavi has called for his World Cup rival to be excused, as he is keen to leave the past behind.
"I don’t think they should be sanctioned," Gavi said. "I understand it’s not a good image for children, but that’s part of football. Perhaps the most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match."
While Gavi doesn't want to see any sanctions handed out, former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamman had other ideas. Not only did he call for Paredes to receive a serious suspension, but he also suggested that other Argentine players be banned.
"I would suspend them both for a year and then let them decide if they want to return. But this kind of behavior is unacceptable," he said.
"This must be punished, and they shouldn’t be too lenient. I would suspend them both for twelve months. They have destroyed much of the goodwill they had gained, largely thanks to Messi, of course."
Despite the backlash, Paredes has returned to training unfazed and has broken his silence on social media, addressing Argentina fans while ignoring the postgame clash. "Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always," he wrote.
"Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves. But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team.
"To this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honor to be part of the best Argentine national team in history."
