Could Argentina face action after post-final trouble?

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Could Argentina face action after post-final trouble? Figure caption, 'The reaction is terrible' - World Cup final turns ugly at full-timeByDale Johnson Football issues correspondentPublished2 hours agoArgentina are likely to face a Fifa investigation following the ugly scenes at the end of the World Cup final. Fifa had already begun the process of potential disciplinary action against Argentina when their players held a banner in support of their country's claims to the Falkland Islands following the 2-1 semi-final win against England.

After the 1-0 defeat on Sunday, members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players as they began to celebrate their World Cup success. Any player or coach involved in the fracas at the MetLife Stadium could face suspensions, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined. It was initially reported by Fifa that Argentina's Leandro Paredes had been sent off by referee Slavko Vincic after he pushed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat.

The Details

Paredes' red card was removed from the record shortly afterwards and there is now no evidence of any disciplinary action being taken at the time. Argentina had already had one player dismissed, with Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time. Fifa's disciplinary committee will now await the official match reports before taking any action.

What happened after the World Cup final? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Leandro Paredes appeared to strike Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat in the post-match fracasAs the final whistle blew in New Jersey, a few Argentina players - including Lionel Messi - slumped to the turf. Others stood there motionless as Spain's players raced across the pitch in jubilation.

Rodri, who had been substituted in extra-time, ran over from the dugout to join his team-mates. As the Manchester City midfielder went past Nahuel Molina, the Argentina defender appeared to punch Rodri on the arm or stomach. This was the fuse which ignited the trouble.

What Experts Say

Rodri confronted Molina, but it was the Argentina player who thrust forward in an aggressive manner. Garcia ran over to back up his team-mate at which point Paredes got involved too, jabbing Garcia in the throat. Unused substitute Gavi tried to intervene, only to be forced to the ground by Thiago Almada.

Paredes then pushed Gavi to the floor by putting his hand in the Spaniard's face. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala then looked to be holding Garcia around the throat. He then appeared to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

"Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them," Alan Shearer said on One's coverage. "There is no place or space for that.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.