Leandro Paredes faces new controversy after yellow card incident
Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes has once again found himself in trouble after receiving a yellow card for firing the ball directly at an opponent who was already falling to the ground during his side’s latest fixture, reports BritPanorama.
The Argentine international was immediately cautioned by the referee for the unsporting act, which provoked furious reactions on the pitch. Footage of the incident spread rapidly across social media, drawing widespread condemnation from supporters.
One fan commented: “He never learns.” Another declared: “How is he always involved in something like this?” Others branded it “Typical Paredes,” while one observer remarked: “The easiest yellow card you’ll ever see.”
This episode reinforces the 32-year-old’s growing notoriety for losing his composure. The booking comes only weeks after Paredes was at the centre of the ugly scenes that erupted at the conclusion of Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain.
Argentina went down 1-0 in that match, and the midfielder immediately became embroiled in a heated altercation with multiple Spanish players as chaos engulfed the pitch at full time. It was subsequently alleged that Paredes threw a punch amid the disorder, with fellow Argentina internationals Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Otamendi also reportedly involved in a fiery exchange with Spain’s Rodri.
The post-match scenes added another black mark to a career increasingly defined by moments of indiscipline rather than the midfielder’s considerable technical gifts. Paredes has a lengthy track record of such flashpoints; during the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands, he produced one of the tournament’s most memorable moments of controversy.
In that match, having committed a wild foul on Nathan Ake, the midfielder blasted the ball into the Dutch technical area, igniting a mass confrontation that drew players and coaching staff from both sides. Virgil van Dijk responded by barging into Paredes and knocking him to the ground, with many observers feeling the Argentine was fortunate to escape without a red card.
His disciplinary woes extended to his time in Serie A as well. In May 2024, while playing for Roma against Genoa, Paredes collected two bookings within moments of each other after persistently remonstrating with the official, which resulted in an early dismissal.
This latest caution does nothing to alter Paredes’ standing as one of the most combustible figures in professional football. His talent with the ball is unquestionable, yet his continual inability to control his emotions overshadows his skill. At 32, the pattern shows little sign of changing. Supporters are again left questioning whether he can curb his worst instincts, and the evidence suggests the answer remains firmly in the negative.
In a sport that thrives on passion and intensity, Paredes serves as a reminder of the fine line players tread. How easily can brilliance descend into chaos? It’s this duality that keeps fans and analysts both intrigued and concerned.
