Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the actions of Argentina’s players after a post-match fight ruined the celebrations of Spain’s 1-0 win in the FIFA World Cup final.
The clash of players erupted from the very moment the final whistle was blown, as Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes got into an altercation with a number of Spanish players, including Eric Garcia and Gavi.
The clash turned into a huge fight and players and staff on both sides had to intervene.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, was observed trying to break up Argentina’s players as officials were also trying to separate the players.
The incident has prompted FIFA to launch an investigation.
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Football’s world governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to look at the events and decide on any further action that will be taken against those involved.
In an interview with Spanish public TV broadcaster TVE, De la Fuente voiced his dissatisfaction about Argentina’s behaviour, particularly after the final.
“It’s intolerable and it’s unacceptable from a group of that calibre, who were being praised by me before the match and have a wonderful coach,” he said.
The Spaniard also commended his own players for being calm in the face of the trouble, applauding their “professionalism” in the wake of the sparring and provocation.
Reuters contacted the Argentine Football Association for comment, but has not received a response yet.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, apologised for his involvement in the altercation earlier this week.
De la Fuente, who led Spain to the UEFA Euro 2024 triumph and the FIFA World Cup, also looked forward to the 2030 World Cup that will be co-hosted by Spain, calling the prospect of coaching the national team at the tournament “the best thing any coach can dream of.”
Also read: Lionel Messi reacts to Argentina’s World Cup final defeat
