Leandro Paredes involved in another disciplinary flashpoint as Boca Juniors progress

Leandro Paredes was involved in another disciplinary controversy after making a rapid return to Boca Juniors without sufficient rest following his appearance in the World Cup final on 19th of this month.

The Argentina midfielder was booked during his second match for Boca Juniors since returning to the club, after reacting angrily to decisions made by Chilean referee Wilmar Roldan.

Paredes had already attracted widespread criticism for his conduct during the World Cup final, where he was accused of provoking and crossing the line with several Spain players. Barcelona midfielder Gavi was among those most affected by his actions.

Rather than appearing to have learned from that episode, Paredes found himself at the centre of another confrontation, this time with the match official during Boca Juniors’ Copa Sudamericana play-off tie against O’Higgins.

The incident came as Boca Juniors secured their place in the last 16 of the competition. The Argentine side had drawn with O’Higgins on aggregate across the two legs of their play-off, before winning the decisive penalty shootout.

Paredes played in both legs of the tie last week, having returned to Boca Juniors soon after his involvement in the World Cup final. The quick turnaround left him with little time to recover before taking part in the club’s campaign.

During the match against O’Higgins, Paredes made exaggerated gestures and repeatedly protested against Roldan’s decisions. He also appeared to dismiss the referee’s attempts to move him away and prevent the situation from escalating, doing so in a visibly disdainful manner.

Roldan responded by showing the midfielder a yellow card. On this occasion, Paredes’ behaviour did not go unpunished, although he came close to receiving a second booking later in the game.

A further caution would have resulted in a red card and ended Paredes’ involvement in the match. He continued to argue with the referee but avoided a second yellow and was able to remain on the pitch until the conclusion of the tie.

The midfielder then played a part in Boca Juniors’ progress by successfully converting one of the penalties in the shootout.

The latest incident follows the controversy surrounding Paredes’ behaviour towards members of the Spain squad in the World Cup final. His actions during that match prompted criticism, with Gavi singled out as one of the players most notably affected.

Paredes’ return to Boca Juniors has therefore quickly been accompanied by another disciplinary flashpoint. Despite the booking and the threat of dismissal, he completed the match and helped his club reach the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.