Bans, fines loom as FIFA probes ‘disgraceful’ Argentina acts
FIFA has confirmed it will investigate Argentina over post-game scenes described as “shocking and disgraceful” following Monday’s World Cup final in New York.
Players and officials involved in the ugly fracas could face suspension, while the Argentina football association could be fined. The organisation was already facing punishment for unfurling political banners following a win over England in the semi final.
Players scuffle et the end of the World Cup final. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Australian great Craig Foster labelled Argentina’s actions “shocking and disgraceful”, with the nation instigating several scuffles and even appearing to turn their backs on Spain’s trophy presentation.
A 1-0 defeat to Spain in the tournament decider was not taken well by the South American champions, who lost the respect of several pundits when they attempted to physically fight their rivals after the full-time whistle had sounded.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was red carded after full time in chaotic scenes following the 1-0 Spain win in New York on Monday.
The game itself was bruising, and Enzo Fernandez was red carded late in regular time for a challenge on young gun Pau Cubarsi.
But tempers boiled over after the game had ended, with Argentina defender Nahuel Molina accused of hitting an opponent in the stomach as they ran past him to celebrate with teammates.
When Argentine players remonstrated, Paredes entered the fray and grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Spain’s Gavi to the turf.
Paredes was shown a red card by the referee, meaning he had to leave the pitch before the trophy presentation.
Then players appeared to turn their backs on their opposition as they were handed the World Cup trophy, bypassing the bay of Argentine fans to get to the tunnel and head to the team’s dressing rooms.
The incident went under the radar of international coverage of the post-match celebrations, but it quickly gained attention on social media.
Foster could not believe the images of the Argentine team after their defeat.
“There was a cynical side to their game which came out shockingly and boiled over after the whistle, where the sportsmanship was really disgraceful,” he said on Stan Sport’s Added Time.
“Some (Argentines) getting in some sort of scuffles and attacking others. Then I’ve seen photos and it appears that Argentina turned their back, including Messi. Even doing that, that is just disgraceful.
“You were the reigning champions (competing in this tournament), Spain completely outplayed you, and you try and turn it into a brawl instead of a football match. It didn’t work.
Argentina’s playing group leaves the field. Getty Images
Argentina are pictured looking away from Spain’s trophy presentation. Getty Images
“In the end, you got a red card - rightly so. It was shocking sportsmanship from the Argentine team. ”
Former England captain Alan Shearer shared a similar view of the post-game incidents, describing Molina’s actions as “terrible” on the BBC.
“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that,” Shearer said.
“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose.
“Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
Former Scotland international Craig Burley went even harder in his assessment on ESPN UK.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes throws Spain’s Gavi to the ground. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
He took aim at Argentina for failing to fire a shot in the tournament decider - Spain winning the shot count 20 to two - and then losing their heads after the match was over.
“Argentina were a complete and utter disgrace today, both with their performance and their antics,” Burley said.
“We expected the antics, we expected the thuggery, we expected the off the ball stuff, but we also expected a lot more on the ball, a lot more purpose... they were an utter shambles, disgusting, disgraceful.
“I’m so pleased Spain won. It was a disgusting performance (from Argentina).”
Argentina icon Lionel Messi was kept quiet during the final and was in tears following the game.
It’s likely to be the 39-year-old’s last World Cup.
Former Ghana international Kevin-Price Boateng says the Argentina carry-on was disrespectful to Messi as well as Spain.
“To see those scenes now after the game, that is sore losing,” Boateng said on SBS. “That is not what this guy, what Leo Messi deserves.”
