Football na drama, but sometimes the script pass Nollywood level. For Argentina fifth-tier league, Primera D Metropolitana, one referee break world record wey nobody dey rush claim.
The man show 36 red cards for just one match between Claypole and Victoriano Arenas. Na February 2011, but up till today, the gist still dey hot. Imagine say na you dey stadium that day, you pay gate fee to watch ball, but you end up witness live episode of “WrestleMania”.
How Wahala Start
The game begin like normal lower-division Argentine derby: tough tackles, rough play, and plenty noise from stands. First-half get small sparks, but referee Damian Rubino dey still manage am.
Na second-half wahala bust. One heavy tackle open the gate, players surround referee, insults begin fly, then substitutes rush enter pitch. Before anybody shout “calm down”, everybody don dey fight like Naija bus-stop quarrel.
The Referee Response
Most referees for that kind scenario go abandon match or try beg players. But Damian Rubino no be your regular official.
The man open him back pocket like Father Christmas and begin distribute red cards. One here, two there, bench no escape, even coaches collect. At the end, the official match report show 36 red cards. To break am down:
- 22 players wey dey on the pitch — everybody pack go out.
- 14 extra from both benches (substitutes and technical crew) — join dem.
If to say the stadium gatemen argue small, dem for follow enter list too.
Atmosphere Inside Stadium
Eyewitnesses talk say e resemble street carnival but with fists instead of drums. Fans no even sure whether to laugh or vex. Some people clap for referee bravery, others boo say the man just use red card like party spray.
The players wey remain for bench look confused, some even beg the referee, but Damian no hear. He wan make sure say every single offender chop him own red.
As at that moment, the man be like Oprah: “You get red card! You get red card! Everybody get red card!”
The Aftermath
Of course, the match no fit continue. The Argentine FA later use am as case study for indiscipline. Both teams chop sanctions, players chop bans, and Damian Rubino suddenly turn celebrity referee overnight.
Na one of those rare moments wey lower league match make global news headlines. Till today, official football archives still mark am as the highest number of red cards ever given for one professional game.
Why E Important
Football dey emotional, but this case show how rivalry fit scatter sense. Instead make fans dey talk about skill or tactics, dem dey remember am for violence and suspensions.
Na reminder say no matter how local or small a match be, once respect and discipline leave field, the whole thing fit turn circus.
Quick Facts
- Date: February 2011
- Teams: Claypole vs Victoriano Arenas
- Competition: Primera D Metropolitana (Argentina fifth tier)
- Referee: Damian Rubino
- Record: 36 red cards in one single match (players + substitutes + coaches)
TPB Take
This match prove say sometimes na referee get the final “highlight” for game, no be player. 36 red cards dey sound like joke, but na history. For Argentina, rivalry dey serious.
But maybe next time, players go remember say football na entertainment, no be Royal Rumble. Until then, Damian Rubino go forever wear the crown of King of Red Cards.