'Intolerable and unacceptable': De La Fuente blasts Argentina players for post-final clash
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has condemned the clashes that erupted after his side's World Cup final victory over Argentina, describing the behaviour of some Argentine players as "intolerable" and "unacceptable."
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster TVE in an interview reported by TyC Sports, De la Fuente said he was initially unaware of the incidents as he was celebrating Spain's 1-0 triumph at MetLife Stadium.
"At the time I didn't realise it, I was celebrating. In any case, it's intolerable, unacceptable, it can't be allowed," he said.
FIFA has since opened a disciplinary investigation into the post-match incidents involving Argentina's Leandro Paredes and assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
De la Fuente said such conduct had no place in football, particularly from players and coaches competing on the biggest stage.
"Footballers of that calibre, who have a great coach, who must have felt just as bad as we did seeing those reactions... It's not tolerable," he said.
The 65-year-old also praised the way his own players handled the situation, saying they refused to be drawn into the confrontations.
"I want to highlight our behavior in the face of those kinds of aggressions and provocations. Our players always maintained their composure like good sportsmen," he said.
The Spain coach admitted the magnitude of winning the country's second World Cup was still sinking in after weeks of preparation and a demanding tournament.
"I'll become more aware of it as the days go by," De la Fuente said of Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010.
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