Spain star involved in World Cup final brawl wants Leandro Paredes to escape ban

Spain midfielder Gavi does not want Leandro Paredes to be suspended despite being thrown to the ground by the Argentina midfielder in a shocking post-match brawl at the World Cup final.

Paredes, along with team-mate Nahuel Molina and Argentina coach Roberto Ayala, were involved in the fracas seconds after the final whistle blew on Spain’s 1-0 victory in New Jersey, which saw Ferran Torres snatch an extra-time winner.

Fifa has confirmed that no red card was shown to Paredes on the field, but on Monday evening Fifa announced that its disciplinary committee had appointed a disciplinary and ethics 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 hurling Gavi to the ground to the ground by his bib.

Molina appeared to spark the chaotic melee by striking Spain captain Rodri as he ran across to celebrate with his Spain team-mates, while Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo in the face.

It was initially reported by TV broadcasters showing the final that Paredes had been dismissed for his part in the brawl, but Fifa has since indicated this was not the case.

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

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

Additional reporting by PA