New details have emerged about Argentina’s misconduct in their World Cup final defeat to Spain on Sunday night, further tarnishing their reputation on the international stage.
Recall that Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were both caught attacking Spanish players, prompting FIFA to finally launch an investigation.
It has now been revealed that tensions didn’t only rise on the pitch but spilled into the stands, where several family members of Argentina’s players were reportedly detained by authorities in the United States.
According to Colombian TV channel Noticias Caracol, police were forced to intervene after incidents in the box occupied by relatives and arrested ‘at least a dozen people’ linked to players.
The report claims at least a dozen people connected to Argentina’s squad were detained, although US authorities are yet to confirm the number of arrests or whether any charges have been filed.
The ugly scenes came after tempers exploded on the pitch at full-time.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before kicking him to the ground during a mass confrontation involving players from both sides.
Reports suggest the Argentina players briefly delayed collecting their runners-up medals as they rushed towards the section where their families were seated after disturbances broke out.
The off-field incidents capped a miserable evening for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Argentina struggled throughout the final, managing just two shots across 120 minutes, while Spain dominated with 20 attempts, 12 on target and four big chances.
Spain eventually made the pressure count when substitute Ferran Torres struck the winner in the 106th minute to secure La Roja’s second World Cup title.
