Paredes should not be suspended – Spain’s Gavi

Steelman: both sides, in good faith

The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.

The case for

Football is an inherently physical sport where emotions run high, particularly in a World Cup final. Whilst the incident was regrettable, a red card during the match would have been the proportionate response at the time; retrospective suspension weeks later for post-match conduct seems excessive. The sport must acknowledge the contextual reality that players experience intense emotional reactions in such circumstances, and disciplinary measures should reflect the distinction between gameplay conduct and post-match reactions that, whilst wrong, are human responses to competitive intensity.

The case against

FIFA's disciplinary codes exist precisely to maintain standards of conduct and safety across all moments of a match and its aftermath. Physically assaulting another player—including choking or throwing a player to the ground—constitutes serious misconduct regardless of timing, and suspension is necessary to enforce the principle that violent behaviour carries consequences. Allowing post-match misconduct to escape significant punishment sets a dangerous precedent at sport's highest level, particularly at a World Cup final watched globally, and undermines respect for professional standards that protect all players.