Argentina is renowned for having some of the most passionate and intense club rivalries in the world of football. From the famed Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate to the regional Clasico Rosarino, there`s a deep-seated intensity woven into the culture. Newell`s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where Lionel Messi began his career, recently made waves by taking this rivalry sentiment to an extraordinary level.
The club decided to suspend six young players from their youth teams for a period of three months. Their offense? Taking a picture with Ignacio Malcorra, a player from their fierce city rivals, Rosario Central.
Reports indicate that the suspended players also had their scholarships for the club`s school revoked as a result of the incident. The club acknowledged that the photo was initially requested by some of the children`s parents, who then shared it via messaging apps before it came to the club`s attention.
Interestingly, the school the boys attend, Escuela de Fútbol Infantil Malvinas Argentinas, is the same one attended by both Lionel Messi and Argentina`s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, during their youth.
Carlos Panciroli, a former captain of the club and currently the director of the school, commented on the situation, stating that the decision was reached in agreement with the parents.
Panciroli emphasized that the children are, in fact, victims because their parents initiated the photo. He described the suspension as an “internal corrective” measure intended to prevent similar instances of photos being uploaded, stressing the importance of respecting the Newell`s crest and jersey. He added that while individuals are free to do as they please, this doesn`t extend to actions taken while wearing the club`s gear, and the decision was necessary to set a clear precedent regarding respect for the club`s identity.
Dominic Ashworth