Antonio Rattin: Argentina remembered for 1966 farewell, dies aged 89

Antonio Ratin, one of Argentina’s greatest midfielders – and who introduced the red and yellow card to football – has died aged 89, his former club Boca Juniors has announced.

Rattin played in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups, but it was his controversial dismissal in the latter tournament that led to a change.

He spent his entire career with Buenos Aires club Boca Juniors, who said: “With great sadness, we mourn the death of Antonio Ubaldo Ratin, an icon and symbol of our institution.

“We stand with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Goodbye, Rata.”

He made 382 appearances for Boca between 1956 and 1970, scoring 28 goals and winning four league titles and reaching the final of the 1963 Copa Libertadores.

He represented Argentina from 1959 to 1969 and it was his 1-0 quarter-final exit to England that many outside his country will remember him for.

He refused to leave the pitch after being sent off, saying he did not understand German referee Rudolf Kreitlin, who did not speak Spanish.

On the way, Rattin crumpled a corner flag of England and sat on a red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II to protest the decision.

“When I got to the corner, I waved the English flag and insulted them. Then I went to the carpet where the Queen entered the stadium and sat there for about five minutes. It was a very beautiful red carpet,” Rattin said years later.

In order to avoid communication problems between referees and players from different countries, FIFA introduced the yellow and red card system in the subsequent World Cup in 1970.

After retiring as a player, Rattin had a brief spell as Boca coach before entering politics.