Paredes should not be suspended - Spain's Gavi

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Spain midfielder Gavi has said he does not believe Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should face a suspension over his role in the post-match confrontation that followed Spain’s 1-0 win against Argentina in the World Cup final. The incident occurred on the pitch at full-time as Spanish players celebrated their victory.

According to the BBC, Paredes, Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala appeared to be among those involved in the clash. The report says Paredes seemed to put a hand to Eric Garcia’s throat, while Gavi, an unused substitute, tried to get involved before being brought down by Almada. Paredes then pushed Gavi to the ground with a hand to his face.

Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE that he did not think Paredes should be banned, while acknowledging the scenes were not a positive example for children. He suggested the matter would have been best dealt with by a red card during the match, rather than a later suspension.

Fifa has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to review the events, BBC Sport reports, meaning players or staff found to have breached rules could still be sanctioned and the Argentine Football Association could face a fine. The BBC also said Fifa confirmed no disciplinary action was taken against Paredes at the time, despite an initial incorrect entry on Fifa’s commentator information system stating he had been sent off. Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was dismissed during the final after a second yellow card in added time.