Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for sparking an on-pitch melee during Boca Juniors' 2-2 draw at Newell's Old Boys on Sunday in Argentina's Primera Division Torneo Clausura, just weeks after his post-match brawl with Spain's players following the World Cup final.
The 32-year-old midfielder, whose side trailed 2-1 to the hosts, appeared to deliberately kick a ball at a stricken opponent in the 68th minute. The player had just been fouled and was getting back to his feet with his back turned when Paredes booted the ball at him.
Angry Newell's Old Boys players confronted Paredes over the incident before the referee produced the yellow card.
Boca Juniors are one of Argentina's most successful and popular clubs, with a fierce historic rivalry with River Plate. Newell's Old Boys, based in Rosario, are the club where Argentina captain Lionel Messi began his youth career. Sunday's draw came in the Torneo Clausura, one of the two annual championships that make up Argentina's Primera Division season.
World Cup Final Fallout
It is the latest flashpoint involving Paredes' combative style on the pitch. His spoiling tactics caught attention for the wrong reasons during Argentina's World Cup semi-final win over England, and even more so during Argentina's final defeat by Spain.
After that final, Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck, pushed over midfielder Gavi and appeared to throw punches as Argentina's players clashed with Spain's following the loss. He was also fortunate not to be sent off late in normal time for a foul.
FIFA Disciplinary Proceedings
FIFA, world football's governing body, has since launched disciplinary proceedings against Paredes over the scenes that followed the World Cup final. He faces three counts of assault as well as a charge of unsporting behaviour.
