Paredes did not see red as Spain-Argentina clash sparks post-match brawl | OneFootball

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in New York on Sunday, then tempers flared. FIFA said an input error in a commentators’ system wrongly showed a red for Paredes, the official match report does not, and a prosecutor was appointed on Monday.

The melee began with Nahuel Molina, who, irked by Spanish celebrations, swung his right arm into Rodri’s chest. The Spain captain stopped, turned and confronted him. Eric Garcia and Borja Iglesias, plus an assistant referee, stepped in to calm matters.

Elsewhere, Leandro Paredes sprinted a few metres and shoved Garcia to the ground. Despite the same assistant and Thiago Almada intervening, Gavi struck Paredes in the torso. Paredes hauled him down by the bib amid the chaos.

Argentina staff including Lionel Scaloni and Walter Samuel rushed in to remove Garcia, while Lionel Messi stood apart, expressionless. Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, kneeling and embracing, did not see the fracas.

Lamine Yamal was also on his knees with eyes closed, apparently in prayer. Nicolas Otamendi, otherwise restrained, argued with Rodri, telling him to talk less and accusing Spain of complaining about referees. Rodri replied he respected him, and Otamendi referenced Aymeric Laporte’s remarks earlier in the week.

Paredes could still be punished. Under article 49 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, improper conduct involving violent acts can bring a minimum two-match ban. The inquiry will review other unclear moments, and Argentina may be reprimanded or fined for skipping the mixed zone, though turning from the podium carries no sanction.

Source: L'Équipe