Gavi does not want Paredes banned for World Cup final altercation

Spain midfielder Gavi does not want Argentina’s Leandro Paredes to be suspended for his part in the altercation at the end of Sunday’s World Cup final.

Paredes, along with team-mate Nahuel Molina and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, were involved in the brawl seconds after the final whistle blew on Spain’s 1-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium.

FIFA has confirmed that no red card was shown to Paredes on the field, but on Monday it announced that its disciplinary committee had appointed a 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 throwing Gavi to the ground. Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri initially to spark the melee, while Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo in the face.

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

Ayala said his altercation with Olmo was “more of a push than a punch” but nevertheless pledged to apologize to Olmo for his conduct.

He told Capital Radio in Valencia: “When the match ended, I saw a scuffle in the middle of the pitch, and I went over to stop it from escalating, because that’s not who we are.

“I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was simply to go and separate them, nothing more.

“It was more of a push than anything else; it wasn’t a punch. It was a reaction to something that was said, but if I see Olmo, I’ll apologize to him in person.”

Ayala said there had been “a certain animosity” from some quarters towards the Argentina team in general at the World Cup, and added: “They didn’t want our team to do well. We play for our people. In my position, I can’t allow feelings to change my actions. I’m sorry.”