Tensions boiled over in the aftermath of Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey, and Spain midfielder Dani Olmo has spoken out about an altercation he was involved in with Argentine coach Roberto Ayala.

The European team secured a second star on their shirt by beating Argentina in extra time, courtesy of an excellently taken goal by Ferran Torres. A cagey 90 minutes played out before Spain’s super sub delivered an iconic moment for his nation as the game threatened to drift towards a penalty shootout.

Enzo Fernandez’s 93rd-minute red card was the turning point, and the South American side weren’t best pleased with the referee’s decision to dismiss the Chelsea midfielder.

This sparked fury from the Argentine players and staff members at full-time, and in the midst of the melee that ensued, Ayala punched Olmo in the face.

 

 

 

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Dani Olmo Speaks Out About Ayala’s Punch After World Cup Final

Dani OlmoBrett Davis /IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Fernandez was given his marching orders after recklessly clattering into Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time of normal time. The central midfielder was already on a yellow card after being booked for an earlier incident, and this abrupt action ultimately ended up costing his team.

The Argentina camp, clearly wound up by this decisive officiating call, proceeded to attack a number of Spanish players after the referee had blown the full-time whistle.

One incident involved Ayala approaching Olmo before swinging his right arm into the Barcelona star’s face. The Spain midfielder didn’t react.

After the match, Olmo was asked about Argentina’s players and staff refusing to face Spain when they took to the podium for the trophy ceremony. He gave a classy answer as he said:

“Well… it doesn’t matter to us in the end.

“I think it’s also important to think about the values you want to convey to the outside. We are role models for many generations, and for many children, and I think they should also be role models in everything and for the better.”

Argentina Could Be Sanctioned For Their Full-Time Antics

Argentina's Leandro Paredes clashes with Spain's Gavi after the match as Spain wins the World CupREUTERS/Mike Segar

This was just one of a number of incidents of Argentina players and staff members showing unacceptable levels of aggression towards their Spanish counterparts after the game.

Nicolas Otamendi provoked a heated exchange with Rodri, Nahuel Molina threw a punch at the Manchester City star, while Leandro Paredes started a scrap with Eric Garcia.

While adrenaline would’ve been running high, and frustrations from Argentina players were somewhat understandable given they’d just lost a World Cup final, allowing this to spill over into violence isn’t a good look, and likely won’t go down well with FIFA.