Sporting Witness
Sporting Witness
The Battle of Santiago
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June 2, 2018
9 minutes
Available for over a year
In the latest in a World Cup series, we go back to 1962 and probably the most violent match in the history of the tournament. Described by BBC commentator David Coleman as a "stupid and disgusting exhibition", the confrontation between Chile and Italy was marred by spitting, kicking and punch-ups between the players. It is now known as the Battle of Santiago. Richard Murie talks to the former Chilean defender, Humberto "The Cheetah" Cruz.
(Photo: The aftermath of a heavy challenge in the Battle of Santiago. Credit: Getty Images)