⚽ Spain lifted the World Cup after an absorbing 1–0 victory over Argentina, yet the defining images beyond the final whistle were not confined to celebration. Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal secured Spain’s second men’s title and ended Argentina’s reign, but the emotional tension of the contest soon spilled into confrontations on the pitch. Reports then emerged of disorder inside the stadium box reserved for Argentina players’ families.
Several members of Argentina players’ families were reportedly detained by police following ugly scenes in the stands.
Several members of Argentina players’ families were reportedly detained by police following ugly scenes in the stands.
A police officer speaks to Argentina fans at the World Cup final (Image: Getty Images)
Several family members of the Argentina players were detained by authorities in the United States following their 1-0 Word Cup final defeat to Spain. Unsavoury scenes broke out at the MetLife Stadium after the final whistle, with Argentina star Leandro Paredes receiving a red card for kicking Eric Garcia to the ground and grabbing the Spain defender by the throat.
The tensions were not confined to the pitch either, as they spilled over into the stands where the players’ families had been seated. According to Colombian TV channel Noticias Caracol, police were forced to step in following disturbances in the box occupied by relatives, with ‘at least a dozen people’ connected to players reportedly arrested. The same report indicates that Argentina’s players delayed the trophy presentation, where they were collecting their runner-up medals, as they made their way towards the area where the trouble had erupted.
