Rosario Central celebrated their 2026 Supercopa Internacional title on Tuesday with a provocative parade that reignited rivalries with Estudiantes and Newell's, leading to clashes with police. The Canalla had won the trophy last Saturday by defeating Estudiantes 3-1 in Santiago del Estero, with a brace from captain Ángel Di María.

The parade set off from the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito and moved towards the Monumento a la Bandera, with Di María leading the way displaying the trophy and singing with fans. However, the celebrations soon took on a mocking tone towards the defeated club. Midfielder Franco Ibarra was seen holding a red cardboard coffin bearing the image of Juan Sebastián Verón, the president of Estudiantes. Defender Gastón Ávila wore a shirt featuring the UK flag and Verón's face, a reference to Argentina's 2002 World Cup match against England.

Clashes with Newell's

The provocation also extended to their local rivals. Rosario Central players displayed an inflatable doll in the colours of Newell's Old Boys. This gesture coincided with fans of both clubs crossing paths near Avenida Morcillo, leading to clashes. Police intervened at the entrance of the Estadio Coloso Marcelo Bielsa and detained at least one person, also entering the Newell's social club to quell the disturbances. The red-and-black club later issued an official statement via Twitter condemning the events.

Di María, who has eight goals this season in 23 appearances, addressed the incidents. "We did nothing for what happened to happen," said the captain. Meanwhile, fans and players chanted during the celebration: "They are the Pincharratas, they are the p... From La Plata".

The root of the rivalry

The tension with Estudiantes is not new and was exacerbated after the final. Verón entered the field without authorization after the match and insulted and threatened the referees, according to the referee's report which also cites Marcos Angeleri and Pascual Caiella, the technical secretary and vice president of El Pincha. Also, in the Torneo Clausura round of 16 match that followed the award ceremony, Estudiantes players breached AFA protocol and turned their backs on Rosario Central as they entered the field to receive the champion's guard of honour.

Estudiantes officials reacted on social media to the parade images. Vice president Martín Gorostegui shared the coffin photo quoting Di María, while finance secretary Juan Ongay commented sarcastically about possible disciplinary action from the AFA.

Rosario Central, who sit second in the Liga Profesional with 18 points after 10 games, arrive at this episode in strong sporting form. Their latest win was a 1-0 victory over Argentinos JRS, completing a run of three consecutive wins. The team travels to face Banfield next on October 6th, looking to maintain their league position.

First reported at La Nacion AR Deportes