New footage adds to Argentina's World Cup final controversy
Argentina coach Roberto Ayala appeared to throw a punch at Spain's Dani Olmo during the chaotic scenes that followed the World Cup final. The defending champions suffered a 1-0 extra-time loss in New Jersey after Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute. But the result only told half of the story.
Enzo Fernandez was sent off just before the additional period for a second yellow card, while there were unsavoury scenes at full-time involving Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina. And now Footage has emerged showing Ayala, who is one of Lionel Scaloni's assistant coaches, swinging his right arm towards Olmo as they clashed.
To his credit, the Barcelona star didn't react and team-mate Eric Garcia stepped in to play the role of peacekeeper.
Former players condemn Argentina's conduct
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart labelled Argentina's behaviour 'disgusting'. He said:
There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi , who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players.
The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.
Before he added:
Spain fully deserve it. They have been absolutely superb all tournament. They have dominated all game against a rigid, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup.
While fellow BBC pundit Wayne Rooney said:
Does it surprise you? It doesn't surprise me.
We've seen this with Argentina before. It's just not the reaction you want. We've seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round.
That's just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It's really poor from them.
Paredes was also sent off following the whistle, while Molina also appeared to throw a punch after the match. The latter took a swing at Rodri, while Paredes was spotted kicking Eric Garcia to the floor before pushing him back with a hand around his neck when the Barcelona defender attempted to confront him. He was also spotted in an exchange with Gavi and former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley fumed:
Argentina were a complete and utter disgrace today, both with their performance and their antics.
We expected the antics, we expected the thuggery, we expected the off the ball stuff, but we also expected a lot more on the ball, a lot more purpose... they were an utter shambles, disgusting, disgraceful. I'm so pleased Spain won. It was a disgusting performance [from Argentina].
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