Barcelona midfielder gives clear verdict on Leandro Paredes punishment after World Cup final incident | OneFootball

Gavi has played down calls for Leandro Paredes to face further punishment following the heated scenes after Spain’s World Cup final victory over Argentina.

The FC Barcelona midfielder was involved in the post-match confrontation after stepping in during an earlier incident involving Eric Garcia, with Paredes then clashing with the 21-year-old.

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Gavi does not believe the Argentina midfielder should now receive a suspension, even though he admitted the incident did not present a good image and felt Paredes should have been sent off during the game itself.

Gavi sees it as part of football’s more physical side

Gavi said:

He added:

“I understand that it is not a good image for kids, for children, but I also think there is that part of football that is a little more violent.”

The Barca midfielder was clear about where he believed the punishment should have come.

“Maybe the most logical thing for me would have been to send him off in the match and that’s it.”

Gavi then closed the subject by saying:

A very Gavi response after another intense night

There is something entirely unsurprising about Gavi’s reaction. He has always played with emotion, aggression and total commitment, so he is unlikely to suddenly demand retrospective punishment for every heated confrontation.

That does not mean he is defending what happened. He clearly acknowledged that the scenes were not ideal, particularly for younger viewers.

However, his distinction is important. In Gavi’s view, the referee should deal with incidents when they happen rather than allowing every post-match flashpoint to turn into a wider disciplinary saga.

For Barcelona supporters, the episode also highlighted the same personality that has defined Gavi since his breakthrough. He saw a teammate in trouble and immediately got involved.

That instinct sometimes brings controversy, but it is also why he is so valued inside the dressing room.

After becoming a world champion, Gavi returned home to Los Palacios for a major tribute alongside Fabian Ruiz.

Yet even amid the celebrations, his message remained consistent with the player Barca fans know so well: fiercely competitive, protective of his own and never interested in softening his personality for public approval.