FIFA open disciplinary proceedings against Argentina after spicy clash

FIFA have confirmed they have opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over the conduct of their players in their fiery quarter-final victory over Netherlands. A new World Cup record was set during the spicy matchup after card-happy referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz showed a staggering 17 bookings to players and coaching staff over the course of 120 minutes at the Lusail Stadium.

Semi-finalists Argentina more than played their part in that with their players receiving eight of those cautions. Lionel Scaloni’s coach Walter Samuel was also booked amid the chaos in Doha.

FIFA have now cited “order and security at matches” in its disciplinary code after charging the Argentina Football Federation.

Football’s lead governing body has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Holland for their part in the ugly encounter that will still be remembered as one of the best World Cup quarter-finals in tournament history.

Argentina took the lead in the first-half when rampaging wing-back Nahuel Molina stabbed the Copa America winners in front following a sumptuous pass from Lionel Messi.

READ MORE: Piers Morgan declares Argentina hero Lionel Messi ‘should have been sent off’ vs Holland

Footage has since shown several Holland players goading Argentina players as they began the walk to the penalty box during the shootout – something that was not received well by the South Americans.

There were several boiling points during the contest – most notably when Leandro Paredes thundered into Nathan Ake in extra-time as the Dutchman tried to launch a long ball into the box.

Paredes not only crunched the Manchester City man but he then fired the ball straight into the adjacent Holland dug-out which caused their subs to charge the pitch and storm the Juventus loanee.

Messi was among those booked for Argentina, who were simply willing to do everything to win the match.

Holland fought back though and Van Dijk was among those cautioned following his body slam on Paredes.

Even once the match had been concluded, there was still further drama in the mixed zone when Messi was about to conduct an interview with TyC Sports.

He was embroiled in heated verbal dialogue with two-goal Holland striker Weghorst as a collection of Argentina players crowded the target man.

Both nations look set for a massive fine that could reach £13,000 – the same figure Saudi Arabia were forced to pay following misconduct earlier in the tournament.