The players of Estudiantes de La Plata turned their backs on Rosario Central “league champions” during a guard of honour imposed by whimsical Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, before defeating them 1-0. In fact, they turned their backs on Tapia himself, and his arbitrary decisions. Such a shady character! A gesture is worth a thousand words, right? Since Tapia’s AFA presidency began, there have been several examples of potential bias, favourable arbitration for Barracas Central (one of Tapia’s sons is the president, and another one, a player). However, no-one dared to confront him. But this time «Pincharratas» did, thus displaying a healthy dose of self-dignity and self-respect.
Hats off to Juan Sebastián Verón and his club for defying Tapia’s dictatorial policies.
Buenos Aires Times, November 29, 2025