Leandro Paredes was at the centre of another controversy after appearing to kick the ball into the body of Newell’s Old Boys defender Facundo Guch during Boca Juniors’ 2-2 draw in the Argentine league.
The Argentina midfielder was criticised after the World Cup final, which his side lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time, as La Roja claimed their second world title. Paredes was accused of behaving improperly after the final whistle when he confronted Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi.
The latest incident happened during an attack by Newell’s Old Boys. Guch fell to the ground following a challenge involving a Boca Juniors player. As he tried to get back to his feet, Paredes struck the ball firmly towards him, hitting the Newell’s player and knocking him down again.
The action immediately caused anger among the players on the pitch, with the incident leading to a significant confrontation. Paredes was shown a yellow card, but his conduct drew further criticism for what was described as an unethical and aggressive act.
It is the second time in a short period that Paredes has been involved in an incident that has attracted widespread attention. The midfielder had already faced strong condemnation following Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.
Paredes appeared unable to accept the result at the MetLife Stadium. After Spain secured victory with a goal in extra time, the Argentina international was involved in physical confrontations with Eric Garcia and Gavi immediately after the final whistle.
That behaviour was widely regarded as unsporting and created further discussion around the midfielder’s conduct. The latest episode against Newell’s Old Boys has now intensified the criticism directed at him.
Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys eventually shared the points in a match that ended 2-2. However, the result was overshadowed by Paredes’ involvement in the confrontation and the decision to caution him.
The incident occurred during one of Newell’s Old Boys’ attacking moves, when Guch was already on the ground after the challenge. Rather than allowing play to continue without confrontation, Paredes’ decision to drive the ball into the player’s body caused a fresh dispute between the two teams.
Although the midfielder was not sent off, the yellow card and the reaction of the players reflected the seriousness of the moment. Paredes’ actions have once again placed him under scrutiny, only a short time after the controversy involving him and Spain’s players at the end of the World Cup final.
