Argentina football legend Antonio Rattín, the former national team captain famously sent off during the 1966 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, has died at the age of 89.
Rattín’s death was confirmed by his lifelong club Boca Juniors on Saturday, coinciding with Argentina and England both securing victories in their respective World Cup quarter-finals to set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash between the two historic rivals next Wednesday.
Boca Juniors paid tribute to the club icon in a statement shared on social media.
“With deep sorrow, we regret the passing of Antonio Ubaldo Rattín, an idol and emblem of our institution. We stand with his family and loved ones in this difficult moment. Farewell, ‘Rata’.”
Born on 16 May 1937, Rattín was a commanding central midfielder renowned for his leadership, tough tackling and fierce competitive spirit. He spent his entire professional career with Boca Juniors, where he became one of the club’s greatest-ever figures.
The midfielder earned 34 caps for Argentina and represented his country at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups. However, his name became permanently linked with one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history.
During Argentina’s quarter-final meeting with England at Wembley in 1966, Rattín was dismissed in the 35th minute after a challenge on England forward Roger Hunt. The Argentine midfielder protested the decision, arguing that he could not understand German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, who also did not speak Spanish.
The referee eventually ordered Rattín off the pitch for what was described as “violence of the tongue”, although no official red cards existed at the tournament.
The Argentine captain initially refused to leave, leading to a lengthy delay before he finally walked towards the tunnel. In a moment that became part of World Cup folklore, Rattín squeezed an England corner flag and later sat on the red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II’s arrival at the stadium.
Recalling the incident years later, Rattín said:
“When I got to the corner, I twisted the English flag and insulted them. Then I went over to the carpet the Queen used to enter the stadium and sat there for about five minutes. It was a very nice red carpet.”
Beyond the controversy, Rattín remained a revered figure in Argentine football, remembered as a symbol of passion, loyalty and leadership.
His passing comes as Argentina prepare to face England once again on the world stage, adding further historical significance to a rivalry that has produced some of football’s most memorable moments.
