Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has condemned Argentina’s behaviour as “intolerable and unacceptable” as Fifa investigate the brawl that erupted after the World Cup final.
Fifa have appointed a disciplinary prosecutor to examine the heated post-match clash between players after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory, sealed by Ferran Torres’ dramatic winner, which ended the defending champions’ reign.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and threw Gavi to the ground by his bib, after La Roja captain Rodri was struck in the stomach as he ran past Argentina defender Nahuel Molina.
“It cannot be allowed,” De la Fuente told Spanish public broadcaster TVE on Thursday, adding that he did not see the incidents at the time because he was “celebrating with other people.”
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Fifa are investigating the brawl that broke out after Spain’s World Cup final win (Reuters)
“In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that calibre, whom I had been praising in the days before and who have a magnificent coach.”
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologised on Wednesday for his own clash with Dani Olmo, which he described as a shove and not a punch.
Gavi, meanwhile, said he does not want Paredes to be suspended for his role in the altercation, after it emerged the midfielder did not see red while still on the pitch - as was reported at the time.
De la Fuente has also praised his players for the way they dealt with the incident, commending their restraint.
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Luis de la Fuente hailed the restraint of his players in the brawl (Getty)
“I want to highlight our behaviour in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation,” he added. “Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals.”
Fifa have not given any timeframe for the investigation into the brawl and it is still unclear when any possible bans for Argentina players would take effect, as the team have no competitive matches scheduled in the coming months.
