Gavi says Paredes should not be banned over World Cup final confrontation

Gavi does not think Argentina's Leandro Parades should receive a suspension after being involved in a confrontation with the Spain star at full-time in the World Cup final.

Ferran Torres' extra-time goal was decisive as La Roja beat the 2022 champions 1-0 in last Sunday's final in New Jersey, a bad-tempered affair that saw Enzo Fernandez sent off.

Argentina had looked to sit deep and break up the rhythm of the game even with 11 men, and when the final whistle sounded, some Albiceleste players became embroiled in ugly scenes.

Leandro Paredes appeared to push Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat, with Gavi then being thrown to the ground by Thiago Almada.

Paredes then pushed Gavi's face towards the ground as the Barcelona man attempted to get up, with many fans subsequently suggesting the Boca Juniors midfielder should be banned.

Gavi, however, has told El Partidazo de COPE that he does not think the incident warrants any further punishment. 

"I don't think he should be suspended," Gavi said. "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."

Following Fernandez's red card in second-half stoppage time – which came after a wild challenge on Pau Cubarsi landed the Chelsea man his second booking – 50% of all sending offs in World Cup finals have been Argentina players (3/6, also two in the 1990 final).