The Argentine rebel who inspired red card dies days before another England-Argentina WC clash
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.07.26. | 12:13
Antonio Rattin, whose 1966 World Cup dismissal against the Three Lions inspired the game's card system, dies days before the rivals meet again
The rivalry between England and Argentina, set to ignite once more on Wednesday night's semi-final, is among the World Cup's most captivating sagas, stretching far beyond the pitch. It carries the scars and echoes of the 1982 Falklands War, but even more so, it is defined by the legendary 1986 quarter-final, forever etched in memory for the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century'.
Years later, the two sides clashed again in a high-stakes showdown, with Argentina prevailing on penalties after David Beckham was dismissed for tripping Diego Simeone. Four years on, Beckham seized his moment of redemption, calmly converting a penalty in a group-stage victory.
Yet the first sparks of this enduring rivalry were struck long before those iconic encounters, back in 1966. The Three Lions edged out Argentina in a quarter-final shrouded in controversy, most notably for the sending off of Argentina's star, Antonio Rattin. At that time, yellow and red cards did not exist, and German referee Rudi Kreitlein dismissed Rattin without explanation. With Rattin speaking only Spanish and Kreitlein only German, any alleged insult was lost in translation.
Cómo olvidar cuando a Rattin lo expulsaron en Wembley y en lugar de quedarse callado, miró a los hinchas agarrándose los huevos y estrujando la bandera de Inglaterra. pic.twitter.com/8g7232lVwL
— Fran Casaretto (@Fran_Casaretto_) July 11, 2026
The incident sparked chaos on the field, as Rattin, a defensive midfielder famed for his tough, uncompromising play, refused to leave for several tense minutes. This confusion ultimately led to the invention of red and yellow cards, ensuring players everywhere could understand their fate, regardless of language.
In a twist of fate, Rattin passed away this Saturday, just as England and Argentina battled for a spot in the World Cup semi-final. News of his death swept across the globe, reviving memories of the notorious incident that ignited the fierce rivalry between these football titans.
Antonio Rattin, one of Argentina's greatest midfielders, had died at the age of 89.
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 11, 2026
He refused to leave the pitch after being dismissed in the quarter-final of the 1966 World Cup, saying he did not understand the German referee - this led Fifa to introduce the yellow and red… pic.twitter.com/oLPbvgAMUv
As Wednesday night approaches, the next chapter in this storied rivalry promises another unforgettable clash, brimming with tension, passion, and perhaps a few more contentious refereeing moments destined to fuel debate for years to come.
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Semi-finals
Tuesday
22.00: (2.40) France (3.30) Spain (3.25)
Wednesday
22.00: (2.55) England (3.10) Argentina (3.15)
***odds are subject to change***