According to the Daily Mail, footage of the referee officiating the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain has been released, showing that Slavko Vucic tried to calm Leandro Paredes, but the latter lost control towards the end of the match.
The report stated that during the match, Vincic shouted at Argentina captain Messi: "Messi, control Paredes. I don't want... he already has a yellow card. Please control him. Always, always."
Paredes came on as a substitute in the second half and received a yellow card just 6 minutes into the game. He then played the rest of the match and exploded after the final whistle.
After the final whistle, the game quickly spiraled out of control, with Paredes confronting the Spanish players. He nearly got sent off before the end of regular time after a foul that could have earned him a second yellow card.
FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Paredes for these misconducts. He faces three charges of assault and one charge of unsportsmanlike conduct.
Law enforcement cameras also captured him receiving the medal from US President Donald Trump. Trump told him he had "done a fantastic job."
Paredes then returned to Boca Juniors and played in the Argentine league's "Pro League Cup" match against Newell's Old Boys two weeks ago, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
In that match, the 32-year-old once again resorted to some underhanded tactics, provoking a conflict in the 68th minute. As the opposing player attempted to get up after being tackled, Paredes appeared to deliberately kick the ball at him, sparking angry intervention from Newell's Old Boys players, and the referee subsequently showed the Boca Juniors player a yellow card.
As the injured player turned his back to Paredes and tried to get up, Paredes kicked the ball in his direction, ultimately angering the Newell's Old Boys player. The referee then showed the Boca Juniors player a yellow card.
