As Argentina and England prepare to renew their football rivalry, it is perhaps appropriate to note the passing of the man who was front and centre of the controversy that sparked it in the first place 60 years ago.
The flashpoint came in the 1966 World Cup quarter-final at Wembley. Argentina’s captain was controversially sent off by German referee Rudolf Kreitlein for persistent dissent, despite apparently not understanding why. Refusing to leave the pitch, Rattín demanded an interpreter, crumpled the England corner flag and sat defiantly on the red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II. The images became part of football folklore.
The fallout extended far beyond the match. England manager Alf Ramsey branded the Argentinians “animals”, although he later tried to explain he was referring to their style of play, not the individuals themselves. But in Argentina, it was regarded as a national insult, whilst Rattin’s dismissal was seen as proof that the hosts had been favoured.
The bitterness lingered for decades, intensified by later political events and immortalised by Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” in 1986, as well as Diego Simeone getting David Beckham sent off 12 years later.
But many historians regard the events of Wembley in 1966 as the true beginning of the football rivalry between the two nations.
Ironically, Rattín’s dismissal also changed football itself. The confusion surrounding the incident highlighted the need for a universal disciplinary system, helping inspire the introduction of yellow and red cards at the 1970 World Cup. Nearly sixty years on, as England and Argentina meet once again on football’s biggest stage, the rivalry still bears the imprint of Antonio Rattín.
