Argentina is known globally for its fervent and often intense football club rivalries, perhaps unmatched in their passion. This deep-seated competitive spirit was recently highlighted by an extraordinary decision at Newell`s Old Boys, the club where football icon Lionel Messi spent his formative years in Rosario, Argentina.
The club has taken disciplinary action, suspending six youth players for what might seem like a minor act: posing for a photograph with a player from their arch-rivals, Rosario Central. According to reports, the six boys from the club`s youth ranks were handed a three-month suspension specifically for the picture taken with Ignacio Malcorra of Rosario Central. The clash between Newell`s and Rosario Central, known as the Clasico Rosarino, is one of the most heated local derbies in Argentinian football.
In addition to the suspension, the young players also had their scholarships to the club`s football school rescinded. The club confirmed that the photo was initially requested by some of the players` parents, who subsequently shared it via WhatsApp, leading to the club becoming aware of the situation.
Notably, these children attend the Escuela de Fútbol Infantil Malvinas Argentinas, the very same academy where both Lionel Messi and Argentina`s World Cup-winning head coach, Lionel Scaloni, honed their early skills.
Carlos Panciroli, a former captain of Newell`s Old Boys and the current director of the school, stated that the disciplinary decision was made in consultation and agreement with the parents involved.
Panciroli explained the club`s stance, saying, “The kids are essentially victims here because the photo was instigated by their parents. This decision serves as an internal corrective measure aimed at preventing such mistakes of uploading photos in club gear from happening again. While everyone is free to do what they choose outside the club, it cannot involve representing Newell`s. We must uphold respect for the club`s crest and jersey, and therefore, we felt it necessary to establish a clear precedent.”
