Three military personnel intervened and rescued a referee from a lynch mob in Independence Park.
An Unforgettable Tragedy in Argentine Football: The Day Newell's Fans Lost Control
Twists of fate and sudden outbursts of anger are not uncommon in sports. But the day, exactly 76 years ago, when the stadium of Rosario's Newell's Old Boys was the stage of one of the darkest moments in Argentine football, stands out as an exceptional case.
Football Drama: A Match to Remember
San Lorenzo, the Cyclone of Farro, Pontoni, and Martino, was on the hunt for victory in the 1946 tournament. The challenge was tough - Newell's Old Boys, a long-time rival, fiercely guarded their home turf during the championship battle.
The match kicked off with a bang as San Lorenzo dominated, leading 2-0 with goals from Oscar Silva and Pontoni. But the stubborn Newell's refused to surrender, clawing their way back to a 2-2 tie with two goals from Alfredo Runzer. With minutes left on the clock, everything pointed towards an exciting conclusion.
A Twist of Cruel Fate
In the 87th minute, Moyano scored for Newell's, igniting hope among the fans. But destiny had a cruel trick up its sleeve. The referee, Osvaldo Cossio, nullified the play, ruling Runzer was offside. The Newell's stands erupted with rage, and bottles began to fly towards the pitch.
Fury and Violence
In the final moments, a cross from San Lorenzo secured a 3-2 victory, but it was met with fury rather than joy. Frustrated fans stormed the field, and a desperate Cossio found himself a target. With mounting chaos, the scene turned blurry as tear gas was dispersed, and the police struggled to maintain order.
Escape and Betrayal
Trapped amidst the madness, Cossio climbed onto the hood of a passing vehicle, hoping for refuge. But it was short-lived. The fans caught up, and one of them, with inhuman rage, called for Cossio's execution. This despicable incident was prevented by three soldiers who bravely waded through the crowd, saving Cossio from imminent danger.
Aftermath: A Lasting Scar on Argentine Football
Cossio was left scarred, not just physically, but emotionally as well. The attack left a permanent mark on him, and he took seven months to return to refereeing. Forced to retire from officiating Newell's games, Cossio's faith in the sport was left shattered.
The Dark Night of Argentine Football
That fateful day will forever remain etched in the history of Argentine football. It exemplified the darker side of the sport, exposing the devastating consequences of irrational violence.
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- The tragic incident in 1946, often referred to as "The Dark Night of Argentine Football," was a chilling example of sports-induced desperation taking a turn for the worse.
- The infamous event, where Newell's Old Boys' referee Osvaldo Cossio narrowly escaped execution, remains a stark reminder of reacting to setbacks in sports with uncalled-for violence.
- Despite witnessing unparalleled frustration, Cossio, former referee of the infamous 1946 tournament, bravely returned to refereeing after seven months, showing resilience in the face of extreme leprosos (sports polarization and hostility).
- The incident unfolded on a field of football, but its impact lingered long after the final whistle, leaving an enduring scar on Argentine sports history.
