Argentine football is renowned for its incredibly intense and passionate club rivalries. While clashes like Boca Juniors versus River Plate capture global attention, the animosity runs deep throughout the country`s football culture. Newell`s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his youth career in Rosario, Argentina, recently took drastic measures that highlight this fierce competitive spirit. They suspended six youth academy players simply for being photographed with a player from their arch-rivals, Rosario Central.
Reports indicate that these six boys, representing different youth teams within the club, were handed a three-month suspension specifically because they took a picture alongside Ignacio Malcorra, a player for Rosario Central. The rivalry between Newell`s and Rosario Central is one of Argentina`s most significant derbies, known as the Clasico Rosarino.
Adding to the disciplinary action, the players also had their scholarships to the club`s associated school revoked. The club acknowledged that the photo was initially requested by some of the children`s parents, who subsequently shared the image via messaging applications, which ultimately led to the club discovering the incident.
Remarkably, these young players attend the Escuela de Fútbol Infantil Malvinas Argentinas, the very same youth school that fostered the talents of both Lionel Messi and Argentina`s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni.
Carlos Panciroli, a former captain of the club and the current director of the school, provided insight into the decision-making process. He stated that the measure was implemented in agreement with the parents, viewing the children as somewhat victims of their parents` actions. Panciroli explained, “This decision serves as an internal correction to prevent similar mistakes of uploading such photos from happening again. Everyone is free to do as they please, but not while wearing Newell`s colors. We are obliged to respect the crest and the jersey, and that is why we needed to establish a clear precedent.”
