SerpApi.Org
World Cup champion Gavi has taken the moral high ground after being wrestled to the floor by Leandro Paredes, urging FIFA to spare the Argentina midfielder from disciplinary action.
Spanish stars Gavi and Eric Garcia both found themselves in a physical confrontation with Paredes following the World Cup final, as the Argentina midfielder grabbed one by the throat before taking the other to the ground. Despite no card being issued to Paredes after the final whistle, FIFA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Paredes has since returned to Argentina and resumed training with Boca Juniors, showing little remorse for his behavior despite facing significant backlash. Gavi, a key member of the Spain squad that defeated Argentina 1-0 to claim the World Cup title, is keen to put the matter behind him quickly.
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Spain required extra time to overcome Argentina in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres emerging as the match-winner in the 106th minute. Spain largely controlled proceedings throughout, with Argentina failing to register its first shot until the 115th minute, despite a standout display from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina adopted an increasingly physical approach to unsettle Spain, and Paredes, who entered the game as a substitute at halftime, picked up a yellow card in the 52nd minute.
He was fortunate to remain on the field through to the final whistle before losing his composure with both Gavi and Garcia.
Paredes has come under fire for his conduct after the final whistle, and a FIFA suspension could be on the cards. Despite this, Gavi has urged leniency for his World Cup opponent, expressing a desire to move forward.
"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 is against any disciplinary action, former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamman held a very different view. He not only demanded a lengthy ban for Paredes, but also called for sanctions against other Argentine players.
"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 controversy surrounding him, Paredes has returned to training unperturbed and has broken his silence on social media, reaching out to Argentina's supporters while making no mention of the post-game incident. "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."
