Last update July 14, 2020 by Javier Argudo
In the football world there are countless expressions often used without knowing very well their origin. One of the most classic is the ‘Farolillo Red’ to refer to the team that occupies the last place in the standings. What is the origin of this expression? We tell you.
In the first place, it should be clarified that the use of ‘red lantern’ is not, much less, exclusive football and heard in many other sports to refer, equally, the last place. To discover its origin must go back many years ago and in such a different sport like football cycling, specific, the most prestigious event in the world of cycling: the Francia Tour.
We must also clarify that its original name, logically, in French 'Red Lantern'. This term was chosen since the trains wagons used to have a ‘red lantern’ in the back of the last car to indicate in a very visual way where the convoy ended.
The first rider to receive this award was Arsène Millocheau in the year 1903. The cyclist who more times has achieved what is Belgian Wim Vansevenant who has achieved three times consecutively and also (2006, 2007 Y 2008).
Unlike football, the fact of being the ‘lanterne rouge’ of the Francia Tour not imply any dishonor, the opposite, It means that the broker has managed to end the competition without having to retire. Meanwhile, be red lantern in football Yes it is a problem because it often involves the demotion of the equipment in question.
