Rosario Central claimed the Supercopa Internacional title with a 3-1 win over Estudiantes in Santiago del Estero, but the post-match celebrations have triggered a disciplinary case. Upon landing at Rosario's Islas Malvinas International Airport, players and welcoming fans raised the trophy and sang a derogatory chant aimed at their rivals, repeating 'Son los pincharratas, son los putos, de La Plata...'.
The final at the Madre de Ciudades stadium was already heated. A controversial penalty awarded to Central, converted by Ángel Di María in the 57th minute, fuelled tensions. The altercation spilled into the tunnel after the whistle, with former Estudiantes player and official Juan Sebastián Verón entering the pitch to confront referee Darío Herrera, calling him a 'thief'. Estudiantes players later gave ironic applause to the officials during the medal ceremony.
Disciplinary meeting
The Argentine Football Association has called a meeting for this Monday to decide on sanctions for the incidents. Sources within the body stated it is unlikely the matter will be left unpunished. 'They could end up having to serve a sanction, because otherwise next time you give free rein for them to kill each other,' they said. The AFA is awaiting the official report from referee Herrera before making a decision early in the week, considering enforcing any punishments in Liga Profesional matches.
This victory marks the 14th institutional title for Rosario Central, arriving during a strong run of form. The team sits second in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 18 points from ten games, and their next fixture is away to Banfield on October 6th.
Forward Ángel Di María, who scored twice in the final, is the team's top scorer this season with eight goals. The win over Estudiantes extends Central's winning streak to three games as they aim to stay at the top of the table. The club now awaits the AFA's ruling while preparing for the trip to Banfield.
The AFA confirmed on Monday, September 28, the opening of a disciplinary case for the tunnel brawl after the final. The body will summon the involved players to testify after receiving the referee's report. Agustín Sández, one of those implicated, apologized publicly. "I got carried away by the euphoria, it's not a good thing," the full-back declared to DSports. The sanction will be determined before the next match against Banfield, on October 6.
