Two Argentina stars are banned for total of SEVENTEEN MATCHES over World Cup final brawl – but players escape with just a fine for their Falklands banner against England

Argentina’s players have been handed huge historic bans for their violent conduct in the instigation of a brawl after losing the World Cup final against Spain last month.

In a statement today, FIFA announced Leandro Paredes is banned for 10 matches and fined $90,000 (£66,000). Nahuel Molina will serve a seven-match ban with his own $90,000 fine.

FIFA say Argentina have also been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for offences including ‘using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature’ – notably by holding up a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas – The Falklands are Argentine’ after beating England in the semi-finals.

British government officials had urged FIFA to investigate.

Team-mate Thiago Almada was also given a one-match ban and $30,000 (£22,000) ban which was mirrored for Spain star Gavi. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has been slapped with a three-match ban and $30,000 fine. 

More to follow.