Okay, so everyone saw the absolute chaos after Argentina dropped the World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey, right? TV reports were screaming that Leandro Paredes got his marching orders after an absolute melee erupted, but get this: Fifa sources are now saying he actually *wasn’t* sent off by the referee, Slavko Vincic. This comes as Fifa confirmed they’re launching a full-blown investigation into the whole post-match scene.
The On-Field Madness That Sparked a FIFA Probe
Man, you couldn’t make this stuff up. The final whistle blew, Spain’s subs charged the field to celebrate, and then all hell broke loose. It started when Argentina defender Nahuel Molina allegedly threw a punch into the stomach of Spain captain Rodri. But that was just the appetizer. Paredes, who was already on a yellow card from earlier in the game, sprinted over and absolutely dove into the fray. He grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat, shoved him to the ground, and then, not done yet, wrestled Spain’s Gavi to the turf, pushing into his face while still holding onto his substitute bib. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had to sprint across the pitch himself, trying to calm his losing players down. It was pure pandemonium.
The Red Card That Wasn’t (But Could Still Be)
Every broadcaster, including ITV and BBC, was reporting that Paredes saw red for his actions. That’s what we all thought, right? But Fifa sources are now saying the ref never actually pulled out a red card for Paredes. He *did* get a yellow card earlier in the match after being subbed on at half-time, but no red. The only player officially sent off was his Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez, who picked up a second yellow in stoppage time for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi that sent the Spanish teenager cartwheeling. So, Paredes walked off the field without a direct red for the brawl, a shocking twist after all that. But don’t think he’s in the clear. Fifa’s not messing around: they’ve opened an investigation and appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor. They’re looking into potential breaches of the FDC’s Article 36 regarding those wild post-match incidents.
So, what’s next? Fifa says they’ll communicate further details once that prosecutor’s report is done. You know they’re not going to let this slide. When those details finally drop, it’s gonna be a must-read for every football fan out there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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