SerpApi.Org
Spanish World Cup winner Gavi has said that he doesn’t wish to see Argentina’s Leandro Paredes retroactively punished after a brawl following the final whistle.
A fight broke out between the Spanish and Argentina players after Spain won 1-0 in New Jersey thanks to a late Ferran Torres winner in extra time to secure La Roja their second star.
Following the final whistle, a brawl broke out after Argentina’s Nahuel Molina struck Spain’s captain Rodri. Then followed some unsavoury scenes which saw Paredes, who’s become a pantomime villain-type character after the World Cup, grab Eric Garcia by the throat and throw Gavi to the ground.
FIFA had falsely informed the media that Paredes was sent off by referee Slavko Vincic after the final whistle, but they later clarified he wasn’t, and now they have launched an investigation into the brawl.
Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, Spain and Barcelona star Gavi said he had no ill will towards Paredes. ‘I don’t think (Paredes) should be suspended,’ the 21-year-old explained. ‘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.’
Paredes was villainised in many parts of the media due to his ‘dirty’ play throughout the tournament. The Boca Juniors man routinely put in hard fouls, and was singled out in the English press for striking Elliot Anderson on the head in the first half of Argentina’s 2-1 win over the Three Lions.
FIFA are also said to be investigating Argentina for their players’ post-match celebrations following the win over England, with several parading a sign referencing the Falkland Islands, which goes against FIFA’s rule against players making political statements.
Paredes has now returned to his side, Boca Juniors, where they posted a video of him showing up to the training ground with the caption ‘Back home. Our captain.’
