Fifa launch formal investigation into Argentina World Cup final brawl as Leandro Paredes red card decision revealed

FIFA have opened a formal investigation into the disgraceful scenes that marred the end of the World Cup Final. In an unprecedented outbreak of ill-tempered violence, Argentina players and staff lined up to attack Spain as they celebrated their victory. Fifa have launched an investigation into Argentina’s post-match antics Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Ugly scenes broke out at the full-time whistle Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Video images captured assistant boss Roberto Ayala punch Spain schemer Dani Olmo in the face during a heated exchange. Midfielder Leandro Paredes launched into two Spain players, throwing a series of punches at Eric Garcia and Gavi. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Defender Nahuel Molina squared up to Rodri and appeared to swing a leg at him while former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi accused ex-Etihad team-mates Rodri and Aymeric Laporte of bad-mouthing his side in a bid to influence the officials ahead of the game. Other skirmishes broke out across the pitch with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni having to intervene to try to break things up. It all came after Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off after picking up a second yellow card, for a shocking foul on Pau Cubarsi, in stoppage time at the end of normal time just eight minutes after being booked for dissent. He later begged for forgiveness from the Argentine faithful. Paredes, who somehow escaped being sent off after the match, was a human wrecking ball after his arrival from the bench for the second half. It was initially thought that Paredes had been red-carded, but Fifa have now told SunSport no action was taken immediately after the final whistle. Most read in Sport Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the controversy Credit: Alamy BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister went unpunished for a horrible early lunge on Olmo, while even Lionel Messi joined the list of shame as he suggested Marc Cucurella should be sent off for covering his mouth as the pair passed each other. It left Fifa with a catalogue of “crimes” to consider with a formal probe launched after they received the reports from the various match officials, including Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. Argentina’s shameful decision to turn their back on Spain’s trophy lift was in keeping with their behaviour through the knock-out stage, including the assaults and goading of England during their semi-final win last week. That included substitute Valentin Barco running 60 yards across the pitch from the dug-out to celebrate Fernandez’ equaliser in the face of John Stones. Incredibly, Scaloni backed his players, claiming: “I’m so proud of how we competed.” Argentina face a heavy fine while Paredes is in line for a ban although there is no timescale on the investigation. Comment now