BBC and ITV pundits say the same thing over ‘disgusting’ Argentina antics | Football | Sport
Ugly scenes spoiled the end of the World Cup (Image: Getty)
BBC and ITV pundits were universal in their criticism of Argentina’s behaviour as “disgusting” following their World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The defending champions, led by Lionel Messi, suffered a 1-0 extra-time loss in New Jersey after Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off just before the additional period for a second yellow card in a game dominated by ‘spoiling tactics’.
There were more unsavoury scenes at full-time involving Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina. Argentina defender Molina struck Spain midfielder Rodri as he ran on to the pitch to celebrate his side’s success.
Paredes also appeared to grab Eric Garcia by the throat and then threw Gavi to the ground. After the match, BBC pundits slammed the ugly events.
Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart 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.”
Hart 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.”
Argentina were previously criticised for their aggressive behaviour during their 2-1 semi-final win over England, after which players unveiled a banner claiming sovereignty of the Falklands Islands. FIFA investigated the banner later.
Fellow pundit and former England star Wayne Rooney said of Argentina’s behaviour: “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.”
“That’s a reaction to them being outplayed, out-fought, out-thought on the football pitch, and then they resort to that at the end,” continued Rooney.
“It’s poor from those two players.”
Micah Richards added: “It’s quite embarrassing really. In the game, they were just on the cusp every single time.
“Paredes doesn’t need to do that, he’s better than that, and it doesn’t stop there – it keeps going and going and going.
“We all know what it’s like to lose a game, we can be very frustrated, but this is not good enough – it’s not a good look at all.”
Parades kicked out at Eric Garcia of Spain (Image: Getty)
Micah Richards added: “It’s quite embarrassing really. In the game, they were just on the cusp every single time.
“Paredes doesn’t need to do that, he’s better than that, and it doesn’t stop there – it keeps going and going and going.
“We all know what it’s like to lose a game, we can be very frustrated, but this is not good enough – it’s not a good look at all.”
Parades was sent off after the game ended (Image: Getty)
ITV’s pundits and commentators shared a similar view. Gary Neville, speaking on ITV, singled out Paredes’ behaviour for criticism.
The former England full-back said: “They’re very competitive and I love that element of them, but (Paredes) has just been a disgrace for the last couple of games, and why the referees have allowed him to continue doing what he is doing…”
ITV’s co-commentators were in agreement that Spain were deserved winners, with Lee Dixon accusing Argentina of “anti-football” and questioning how Paredes had remained on the pitch, while Ally McCoist said Spain were “the only team trying to win this game”.
Dixon said: “You have to say, especially after those scenes just then, well done Spain. Football has been the winner, there’s no doubt about that. They’re a deserved team to win it on the day.
“Throughout the tournament they’ve gotten better and better, conceding one goal in a World Cup tournament just says everything you need to know about how organised and creative they are.
“They’ve got pace down the wings and they’re good to watch. On the other hand, today, Argentina were just anti-football, and the scenes at the end, how Paredes is still on the pitch, I’ll never know. I made out six or seven times he should have been sent off.
“(Messi’s) legacy coming to an end. Wasn’t as his best today, wasn’t allowed to be.”
