‘Intolerable, unacceptable’ – Spain manager blasts Argentina’s behaviour after World Cup final

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has slammed the ‘intolerable, unacceptable’ behaviour of Argentina players after the World Cup final on Sunday. 

La Roja dominated possession and dictated the tempo throughout the final. 

They received a big boost in stoppage time when Argentina were reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence. 

Emiliano Martinez kept the South Americans in the game, but Ferran Torres finally sealed their fate in extra time by rifling a shot into the roof of the net. 

Argentina proved to be sore losers as Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes attacked Rodri and Eric Garcia after the full-time whistle. 

Paredes, who also confronted Spain’s Gavi, received a red card for his unsportsmanlike behaviour. 

Speaking publicly for the first time about the incident, De la Fuente said there was no justification for the behaviour.

“At the time, I didn’t realise it. I was celebrating, hugging teammates,” he told Spanish television (per the Guardian). “But in any case, it is intolerable, unacceptable, it cannot be allowed.

“Players of that stature, whom I praised in the days leading up to the match and continue to praise, who are great players with a tremendous coach, surely they must have felt just as bad as we did seeing those reactions?”

De la Fuente also appreciated the exemplary behaviour of his own players for keeping their heads despite the provocation. 

FIFA has opened an investigation into the ugly scenes at the end of the World Cup final. 

Players found guilty of violating the world football governing body’s disciplinary code could face suspension. 

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined.