Argentine Club Sparks Outrage by Punishing Young Players for Photo with Rival's Star
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
Newell's Old Boys, a Rosario-based football club, has faced widespread criticism after sanctioning nine-year-old academy players for taking a photo with Rosario Central's Ignacio Malcorra. The club suspended the children from training and revoked their scholarships for three months, citing fan threats. The incident has sparked a national debate on the intensity of football rivalries in Argentina, with figures like Lionel Scaloni and Patricia Bullrich condemning the sanctions as excessive and harmful to the spirit of the sport.
Key Points
Newell's Old Boys sanctioned young players for taking a photo with a rival player, Ignacio Malcorra.
The sanctions included suspension from training and revocation of scholarships for three months.
The decision was influenced by reported threats from fans.
The incident has drawn criticism from the public, football figures like Lionel Scaloni, and officials including Patricia Bullrich.
The rivalry between Newell's Old Boys and Rosario Central, known as the Rosario derby, underscores the deep football culture in Rosario.
Newell's stated the children remain club members and will meet with parents to address the situation.
