Argentina national team midfielder Leandro Paredes ignited another confrontation following his return to Boca Juniors, after he deliberately struck a ball at an opposing player once a foul had been whistled.
Paredes became a controversial figure at this summer's FIFA World Cup due to his behavior immediately following the Final, triggering a melee with champions Spain. Paredes grabbed the throat of Eric Garcia before wrestling Gavi to the ground, as his history of poor discipline persisted.
Unlike multiple international colleagues who took a break after the World Cup Final, Paredes rejoined Boca Juniors within days of the 1-0 defeat to Spain. He has subsequently featured in three matches, collecting two yellow cards, though his most recent transgression resulted in a confrontation between both teams, via The Mirror US.
Boca Juniors secured a 2-2 draw away at Newell's Old Boys on Sunday, rallying from behind to claim a point against Lionel Messi's childhood club. Yet before the fightback was finalized, Paredes launched the ball at Newell's midfielder Facundo Guch.
Guch had been fouled near the edge of Boca's penalty area during the second half, with the ball rolling toward Paredes. The official then sounded his whistle to signal the free kick, prompting Paredes to boot the ball straight into Guch's back.
The Newell's midfielder collapsed to the turf, with his teammates rushing to his defense, confronting Paredes and creating a scrum near the box. Paredes subsequently received a yellow card while avoiding a second caution.
The unsportsmanlike behavior from Paredes comes as FIFA is investigating the midfielder for his conduct during the World Cup Final. FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings for assault against Paredes, teammate Nahuel Molina, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
FIFA is reportedly probing the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) for alleged violations of regulations across several matches at the World Cup. Thiago Almada is also under scrutiny, alongside Spain midfielder Gavi.
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"In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course," FIFA said in a statement.
The incidents involving Paredes, Molina, and Ayala are the most severe and could lead to lengthy bans. Meanwhile, the AFA faces an investigation over political references to the Falkland Islands after the squad chanted and displayed a banner referring to the British Overseas Territory following their semifinal victory over England.
Argentina stars Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Otamendi brandished the banner on the field in Atlanta after their 2-1 win. The banner appeared to have originally been on show in the crowd before making its way onto the pitch.
It was the concluding flashpoint of a hostile match, with both nations booing one another's national anthems, though Argentina was the first to demonstrate a lack of respect. There were also a number of altercations among rival supporters inside the stadium.
Furthermore, the AFA faces an investigation into team misconduct, "discrimination and racist abuse," and "order and security at matches."
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
