Spain star involved in World Cup final brawl wants Leandro Paredes to escape ban | OneFootball

Spain midfielder Gavi does not want Leandro Paredes to be suspended despite being thrown to the ground by the Argentina midfielder in a shocking post-match brawl at the World Cup final.

Paredes, along with team-mate Nahuel Molina and Argentina coach Roberto Ayala, were involved in the fracas seconds after the final whistle blew on Spain’s 1-0 victory in New Jersey, which saw Ferran Torres snatch an extra-time winner.

Fifa has confirmed that no red card was shown to Paredes on the field, but on Monday evening Fifa announced that its disciplinary committee had appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate possible breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code during the incident.

Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE: “I don’t think (Paredes) should be suspended. I understand it’s not a good image for children, but I think there’s also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive.

“The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that’s it. In the end, I think it’s all football, and it has to be that way.”

Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before hurling Gavi to the ground to the ground by his bib.

A chaotic post-match brawl broke out after the World Cup final (Reuters)

Molina appeared to spark the chaotic melee by striking Spain captain Rodri as he ran across to celebrate with his Spain team-mates, while Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo in the face.

It was initially reported by TV broadcasters showing the final that Paredes had been dismissed for his part in the brawl, but Fifa has since indicated this was not the case.

Argentina had Enzo Fernandez sent off in second-half injury time, with the second yellow card shown for a wild challenge on Pau Cubarsi.