The Avellaneda derby between Independiente and Racing Club descended into chaos when Independiente forward Leandro Fernandez was hit in the face by a fish.
The derby is the second-biggest in Argentina, with Boca Juniors v River Plate considered the biggest.
Independiente have a total of 45 trophies in their cabinet, with Racing Club behind them on 38.
Independiente won the Copa Sudamericana in 2017, but haven’t won any league title since capturing the 2002 Apertura (first half-season). They dominated Argentinian football in the 1960s and 70s.
Racing Club, meanwhile, were perilously close to liquidation in 2000, before bouncing back. They won the 2018/19 Primera Division title. Their greatest period of success came in the 1910s, when they won an astonishing 22 trophies.
Despite varying levels of recent success, the two clubs are giants in Argentina, and the rivalry between the pair is fierce.
In the most recent clash, which took place on July 10, Racing won the game 1-0. There were nine yellow cards. However, the football world will best remember the match for a bizarre moment involving a fish.
Leandro Fernandez hit in the face by a fish
With the game just 27 minutes old, Leandro Fernandez was brought into action as an early substitute. By the 49th minute, the 31-year-old striker was laid out on the pitch – but not because of a tackle.
Instead, somebody in the crowd lobbed a fish in Fernandez’s direction while he was chasing the ball. The fish struck the forward an inch-perfect blow on the side of the face.
The Argentinian immediately went to the ground, clutching his face. And in even more surreal scenes, medical staff and a stretcher were then called to aid the striker.
Fortunately, Fernandez was able to complete the match. However, he couldn’t inspire a comeback for his side. To make matters worse, he received a 70th-minute yellow card – presumably in anger at the fish incident.
Check out the clip below:
Fernandez played 64 minutes in Independiente’s 0-0 draw with Rosario Central on Sunday, so it’s probably safe to say that any side effects from the incident have passed.
Featured Image Credit: Fanatiz
