Failed tribute to Maradona and xenophobic remarks: the Argentine XV in turmoil

The Argentina rugby team shone with its discretion last weekend in Australia for their last match in the Rugby Championship against New Zealanders.

If the All Blacks, who came to deposit a black jersey of their selection, flocked with the No.10, in front of their opponents just before performing their traditional haka, signed a very noticed tribute, the Argentines had chosen sobriety by not wearing than a black band on the sleeve of the shirts.

A minimalist choice that has not gone unnoticed on social networks.

The Pumas have been heavily criticized by internet users who believe that Maradona, one of their most loyal supporters, deserves something more demonstrative and stronger.

"We are sorry for how you felt after our tribute, we apologize if at any time you felt offended."

To put out the fire, Captain Pablo Matera was forced to make a public statement during a speech posted on social networks.

We thus see the third wing line, seated in the company of all his teammates, speak.

“We realize that the tribute we chose to pay Diego this weekend caused pain and disappointment in many people, and we wanted to let them know that was by no means our intention.

Diego was an extremely important person to us, a person who has always been a support.

He has always been with us ", explained the player, who, after having mentioned a few memories with" Pibe de Oro ", apologized.

“The most important thing is that Diego succeeded in uniting a people.

We are sorry for how you felt after our tribute, we apologize if at any time you felt offended. ”

Aclaración del equipo: un mensaje del capitán Pablo Matera

"Sabemos que el homenaje que hicimos para Diego causó decepción, pero queríamos decirles que de ninguna manera fue nuestra intención".

https://t.co/fg4nhs7lU3

- Los Pumas (@lospumas) November 30, 2020

If the first controversy can be blamed on clumsiness, the second which shakes the South American selection is much more embarrassing.

Three players, including his captain Pablo Matera, were suspended as a precaution for “discriminatory and xenophobic comments” published on social networks between 2011 and 2013, the Argentine federation (UAR) announced on Monday evening.

The federation's Disciplinary Commission has been tasked with opening proceedings against Guido Petti, Santiago Socino and Pablo Matera, from whom the captain's armband has been withdrawn.

This decision came two weeks after the first historic victory (25-15) of the Pumas against the All Blacks.

Comunicado oficial: La Unión Argentina de Rugby repudia enérgicamente los comentarios discriminatorios y xenófobos publicados por integrantes del plantel de Los Pumas en las redes sociales y reunida en charácter de urgencia, the Mesa Directiva resuelve:

- Unión Argentina de Rugby (@unionargentina) December 1, 2020

"Overthrowing Blacks"

In these tweets, Matera, who plays in the third row position at the French Stadium, spoke of “overthrowing blacks” with his car and denigrating the Bolivians and Paraguayans.

The federation acknowledged that it had to act, although these publications are old and do not "reflect the personal integrity that the three have shown in the colors of the Pumas".

"I am sorry for all the people who were offended by the horrors I wrote"

Pablo Matera

"The Argentine Rugby Union condemns all hate speech and considers it unacceptable that those who have been able to hold it represent our country," the statement said.

In a statement, Matera said he was "deeply ashamed".

“I'm sorry to all of the people who were offended by the horrors I wrote,” he said on Instagram.

“At that time, I never imagined who I would become,” added the 27-year-old.

"Today I must take responsibility for what I wrote nine years ago."

Read also

• Rugby: the superb tribute of the All Blacks to Maradona before the haka