LEANDRO PAREDES BOOKED AFTER KICKING BALL AT OPPONENT IN BOCA JUNIORS MATCH

Leandro Paredes was booked during a Boca Juniors league match against Central Cordoba on Sunday after appearing to kick the ball at an opponent. The Argentine midfielder played 14 minutes in the fixture. Footage shared on social media appeared to show Paredes kicking the ball directly at an opponent as the player rose from the ground following a foul, though accounts differ as to whether the action was deliberate or an attempt to clear the ball.

The incident marks the latest in a pattern of on-pitch conduct involving Paredes. At the conclusion of the World Cup final in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time, Paredes was involved in a confrontation with opposition players. Television footage appeared to show him throwing punches towards Gavi and throwing the player to the ground. FIFA has charged Paredes for the incident and faces a potential ban, though a red card for the final has not appeared on FIFA's official records. Paredes is 32 years old.

Social media users called for sanctions against Paredes following Sunday's match, with some describing him as a damaging influence on the sport. The incident also drew reactions from users on football-focused social platforms, with some stating he should face an extended ban from competition. Paredes also reacted towards the referee during the same match after a decision not to award a foul.