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World Cup final fight: New footage shows cowardly punch that started ugly bust-up

The World Cup final was marred by ugly post-match scenes as both Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes kicked off as Spain celebrated their victory, the latter getting sent off as a result

New footage has revealed that the angry brawl after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was started by a petulant punch by Nahuel Molina.

The European side toasted their second title on Sunday evening in New Jersey, Ferran Torres extra-time goal seeing off the 2022 champions.

But the post-match celebrations were marred by some shocking scenes as several members of each side clashed. Atletico Madrid defender Molina appeared to be one of the main instigators, while Leandro Paredes was also sent off for lashing out at Eric Garcia and Gavi, the latter left sprawled on the floor.

And new footage from the post-match scenes appear to show what sparked the ugly clashes. As Spain players ran onto the pitch to celebrate with their teammates, Rodri ran by Molina, who appeared to throw out a punch into the midfielder's stomach.

That left the Manchester City man incensed as he turned around to confront the Argentina defender. Many of their respective teammates then piled in including Nicolas Otamendi and Yeremy Pino.

Paredes then got involved as he attempted to kick Garcia, while he also grabbed him by the throat. He then targeted Gavi in a furious tirade of punches before getting sent off.

Speaking after the shocking scenes, BBC pundit Wayne Rooney said: "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."

He added: "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. It's poor from those two players."

Alan Shearer said: Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someones face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.

We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.

Gary Neville also spoke out. He said: Theyre 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

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