Argentine Supercup ends in massive brawl, Verón clashes with referee

The Argentine Supercup final between Rosario Central and Estudiantes de La Plata could not have ended worse. Rosario won 3-1 and lifted the trophy, but it was not the images of the two goals of the eternal Angel Di María that stayed in memory. Or at least, not only those. What went around the world was the video of the brawl that erupted between the two teams at the end.

The reason for the brawl? The officiating of referee Dario Herrera, which was sharply criticized by Estudiantes. As early as added time, Estudiantes defender Tomas Palacios (on loan from Inter) launched a fierce attack on the opposing coach, Jorge Almiron. Then, after the final whistle, a “Wild West” followed in the middle of the pitch — a brawl between players, staff and associates from both clubs that continued even into the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms.

Estudiantes president Juan Sebastian Verón got involved in the already heated situation, engaging in a fierce exchange with the referee after the match. His words left little room for interpretation: “This is all on you, thief!” Finally, before leaving the pitch, the losing team sarcastically applauded the winners as a sign of protest.