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Though he was one of the principal victims of Leandro Paredes' post-World Cup final outburst, Spain midfielder Gavi does not think the Argentina midfielder should be suspended.
Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final on Sunday, July 21, clinching its second World Cup title.
After the final whistle, a melee broke out between the two teams that was sparked by Paredes, who violently grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, knocking him to the ground. He then shoved Gavi to the turf as players and coaches on both teams intervened.
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On Monday, FIFA announced it had appointed a prosecutor to conduct an investigation into the post-match brawl.
Though Paredes is likely facing a lengthy suspension, Gavi himself said after the game that he felt the Argentina midfielder didn't deserve a ban.
"I don't think [Paredes] should be suspended," Gavi told reporters in the mixed zone.
"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."
FIFA has confirmed Paredes did not receive a red card for his actions after the game, despite initially announcing that he had been sent off.
FIFA's official match tracker showed Paredes with a red card after the final whistle. But the red card was deleted shortly afterwards and no disciplinary action was listed against the midfielder.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spain's Gavi says Leandro Paredes shouldn't face ban for World Cup final outburst
