Rattin breakout for print

By Andy Lines, chief reporter Antonio Rattin - one of the most controversial players in Argentina history died yesterday on the day his club reached the World Cup semi-final. He died aged 89. Rattin brought about the introduction of red and yellow cards in football after he was sent off during the 1966 quarter final game with England. He refused to leave the pitch after being dismissed, saying he did not understand German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, who did not speak Spanish. Fifa introduced the yellow and red card system at the next World Cup in 1970 to avoid communication problems between referees and players from different countries. On his way off, Rattin crumpled an England corner flag and sat on a red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II in protest against the decision. He later said: “When I got to the corner, I twisted the English flag and insulted them. “Then I went over to the carpet the Queen used to enter the stadium and sat there for about five minutes. “It was a very nice red carpet.” He represented Argentina from 1959 to 1969. He made 382 appearances for Boca Juniors between 1956 and 1970, scoring 28 goals and winning four league titles, and reaching the 1963 Copa Libertadores final. After retiring as a player, Rattin had a brief spell as Boca's coach before moving into politics.