Leandro Paredes was not sent off after being involved in a brawl following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, contrary to initial reports, as Fifa opens an investigation into the post-match scenes.
Chaos ensued after the full-time whistle in New Jersey on Sunday as the Spain substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate victory.
After Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch into the stomach of Spain captain Rodri, things escalated when midfielder Paredes got involved in his own violent clash, grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat having ran over and shoved him to the ground.
Paredes then wrestled Spain’s Gavi to the turf and pushed into his face while holding him by his substitute bib.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had to sprint across to intervene in an effort to calm his losing players down.
It was widely reported by TV broadcasters showing the final, including ITV and BBC, that Paredes had seen red for his actions.
However, Fifa sources have told The Independent that this is not the case, with no evidence that such a disciplinary measure was made by referee Slavko Vincic.
This comes as Fifa confirmed it was opening an investigation into the full-time melee, with a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor appointed.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the Fifa World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (FDC), the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” a statement read.
“Further details will be communicated by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”
Paredes was not shown to have been given a red card on Fifa’s match centre for the final, only picking up a yellow soon after he was brought off the bench at half-time.
The only player to officially be sent off was his Argentine team-mate Enzo Fernandez, who was shown a second yellow after catching Pau Cubarsi late in second-half stoppage times, sending the Spanish teenager cartwheeling through the air.
