Battle of SantiagoChile v Italy 1962
Battle of Santiago (Chile v Italy 1962). The 1962 FIFA World Cup Chile was marred by violence. The infamous first-round match between host Chile and Italy (2–0) is known as the Battle of Santiago. It is probably the most violent game in the history of the World Cup. The match saw repeated, deliberate attempts from players on both sides to harm opponents, and the Italian team needed protection to leave the field in safety. The first foul was 12 seconds in, the first sending off was after 8 minutes. Kenneth George "Ken" Aston, MBE (1 September 1915–23 October 2001) was the referee on the day. He later went on to devise the yellow and red card system whereby referees show a yellow card for a caution and a red card for an expulsion, which was first used in the 1970 World Cup. Aston sent off two Italian players, and had to break up a number of scuffles and fights on the pitch. Armed police had to enter the field of play on three separate occasions to help the referee to restore order.
'I wasn't reffing a football match, I was acting as an umpire in military manoeuvres.'
Ken Aston
'The most stupid, appalling, disgusting and disgraceful exhibition of football, possibly in the history of the game.'
David Coleman