“Disappointing incident” – Argentina in trouble again with World Rugby

The Pumas suffered a 17-10 defeat to the Springboks in Buenos Aires, but events in the stands have also attracted attention.

During the match, Argentina supporters were pictured holding a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – translated as “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory, with Britain and Argentina having fought over the islands in 1982.

In a 2013 referendum, 99.8 per cent of votes cast backed retaining their status as a British Overseas Territory.

The latest incident comes at a sensitive time, with World Rugby already monitoring behaviour surrounding Argentina matches following concerning scenes after their recent defeat to England.

The Pumas’ 31-24 loss in Santiago del Estero ended with ugly scenes involving referee Angus Gardner.

Argentina fly-half Tomás Albornoz confronted the match officials after the final whistle and was subsequently charged under World Rugby’s Match Official Abuse Sanction Process.

He was later handed a four-match suspension for intimidatory conduct, with footage showing the playmaker needing to be restrained as tensions boiled over.

There were also concerns about the treatment of the officials as they left the field, with footage appearing to show a cup being thrown in Gardner’s direction.

World Rugby has placed an increased emphasis on protecting match officials and maintaining standards of behaviour around Test matches.

The controversial banner therefore represents another unwanted talking point surrounding Argentine rugby.

It also follows similar scenes involving Argentina’s football team, who displayed a banner carrying the same Falklands message following their World Cup semi-final victory over England.

With Argentina now preparing for their upcoming fixtures, the latest controversy ensures attention surrounding the Pumas will remain firmly focused on matters both on and off the pitch.