Luis de la Fuente, head coach of Spain, has condemned the “intolerable, unacceptable” conduct displayed by Argentine players following the World Cup final on Sunday.
Key figures in the incident included Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, who confronted Spain’s Rodri and Eric García respectively as Spain’s team celebrated their World Cup victory at New York New Jersey Stadium. Paredes also approached Spain’s Gavi during the celebrations.
Reflecting on the situation, De la Fuente stated, “At the time, I didn’t realise it. I was celebrating, hugging teammates,”
De la Fuente further commended his own players for their commendable behavior amid what he termed “But in any case, it is intolerable, unacceptable, it cannot be allowed. Players of that stature, whom I praised in the days leading up to the match and continue to praise, who are great players with a tremendous coach, surely they must have felt just as bad as we did seeing those reactions.” and “provocations,” which he believes had the potential to escalate into more serious confrontations.
Despite the incidents being captured on film and circulated widely on social media, no disciplinary actions have yet been taken against the Argentine players. FIFA has initiated an investigation to ascertain whether the events may have breached its disciplinary code.
