Football Quote by John Foot
““Rinaldo Barlassina, one of the most prominent italian referees at the time, was the victim of stone throwing during a match at Casale. After refusing to give a penalty, Barlassina used an umbrella to protect himself and he emerged unhurt. Ghirelli comments that 'it is unclear if this was thanks to his stoicism or to the fact that the stones had run out'.””
About This Quote
Source Historical account: Italian football match, 1920s, newspaper report
A referee faced violent protest but survived, possibly due to his calm demeanor or simply because the attack stopped.
In simple terms: A referee survived a stone‑throwing incident, maybe because he stayed calm or the stones ran out.
Key Takeaway
Stay composed under pressure; sometimes external factors resolve conflict.
Themes
resilience
sportsmanship
conflict
calmness
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
historical
anecdotal
When to use this quote
- football match
- referee decision
- crowd unrest
- personal safety
Key Concepts
stoicism
crowd behavior
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal calm affect outcomes in hostile situations?
- When can external factors outweigh personal traits?
A Different Perspective
If the crowd had continued, composure alone might not have protected him.
