Former Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, whose controversial dismissal at the 1966 FIFA World Cup helped inspire the introduction of football’s yellow and red card system, has died at the age of 89.
His former club, Boca Juniors, confirmed his passing on Saturday, paying tribute to one of the most celebrated players in the club’s history.
Rattin dedicated his entire professional career to Boca Juniors, making 382 appearances between 1956 and 1970. During his time with the Argentine giants, he scored 28 goals, won four league titles and helped the club reach the 1963 Copa Libertadores final.
Paying tribute to the club legend, Boca Juniors described him as an unforgettable figure in its history.
“With great sorrow, we mourn the passing of Antonio Ubaldo Rattin, an idol and symbol of our institution. We stand with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Farewell, Rata,” the club said in a statement.
Beyond his club achievements, Rattin enjoyed an impressive international career with Argentina, representing his country between 1959 and 1969 and featuring at both the 1962 and 1966 FIFA World Cups.
The defining moment of his career came during Argentina’s controversial 1-0 quarter-final defeat to England at the 1966 World Cup.
Rattin was sent off by German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, but refused to leave the pitch, insisting he could not understand the referee because he did not speak Spanish.
As he eventually walked off, the midfielder famously bent an England corner flag before sitting on a red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II, turning the incident into one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.
Reflecting on the episode years later, Rattin recalled deliberately protesting the decision by damaging the corner flag and sitting on the ceremonial carpet in defiance.
The incident exposed the communication challenges between referees and players from different countries, prompting FIFA to introduce the now-famous yellow and red card disciplinary system at the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
Rattin’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the pitch, with his actions during that historic World Cup match permanently influencing how football officiating is conducted around the world.
