Spain win World Cup as Paredes assaults Eric Garcia and Gavi after final | OneFootball

Spain were crowned world champions, but ugly scenes followed as Leandro Paredes assaulted Eric Garcia then Gavi on the MetLife Stadium pitch moments after Slavko Vincic blew for full time. According to Superdeporte, players and staff from both sides intervened swiftly.

After a contest laced with gamesmanship from the albiceleste, images showed Paredes first going for Garcia. He and Almada then knocked Gavi to the ground as Gavi stepped in to defend his team-mate. The Boca Juniors player persisted with Gavi as he attempted to get up.

Paredes, a surprise omission from the starting line-up, came on at half-time. He was booked and produced several challenges that could have brought a second yellow, yet he finished the game. The incidents took place in front of one of Vincic’s assistants, and it remains to be seen whether any sanction follows.

Spain quickly stepped away from the flashpoint and headed to celebrate their triumph.

The victory delivered glory for the second time in the nation’s history, and the focus soon returned to the celebrations.

Source: Superdeporte