Spain were celebrating with the trophy—but within moments, the spotlight shifted to a chaotic post-match brawl. As shocking footage of Leandro Paredes throwing Gavi to the ground continues to go viral, social media is now buzzing with claims that a sarcastic, provocative remark from the Spanish star may have struck a nerve and pushed the Argentina midfielder over the edge

PIERS MORGAN led the stinging criticism of the Argentine “thugs” who lost to Spain in the World Cup final.

Chaos erupted after Spain‘s extra-time victory, with Argentina‘s Leandro Paredes involved in a nasty scuffle.

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Leandro Paredes targeted Gavi after the full-time whistle Credit: EPA

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

Piers Morgan admitted he was happy to see Argentina lose Credit: PA

Paredes completely lost his head as he sprinted over and shoved Eric Garcia to the ground.

As others from both sides charged over, the Argentine midfielder took aim at Gavi, dragging him to the ground and then striking him while he was down.

Referee Slavko Vincic showed Paredes a straight red card despite the game already being over.

And Arsenal and England fan Morgan had seen enough to let rip on social media.

He wrote on X: “Disgusting behaviour by the Argentinians at the end, especially Paredes.

“Just a bunch of nasty violent thugs, and a disgrace to football. Never been so happy to see a team lose.”

Argentina had made themselves more unpopular among England fans during the two nations’ semi-final on Wednesday.

Valentin Barco and Cristian Romero both celebrated goals in the faces of England players, and Argentina toasted the victory with a banner about the Falklands.

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Gavi was struck in a nasty tussle with Paredes Credit: AFP

So plenty of other fans were happy to join the pile-on when Spain prevailed.

One punter wrote: “They should never be allowed to contest these tournaments again.”

Another added: “Disgusting team! A Spanish win is the right result for football.”

And a third chimed in with: “No place for that kind of behaviour in football.”