Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
James Robson

Argentina coach slams chaotic 'scandal' at Olympic soccer match vs Morocco

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Support truly
independent journalism

The head of Argentina's soccer federation said the chaotic ending to its Olympic soccer match against Morocco on Wednesday “makes no sense," and Argentina's coach called the scene “a scandal.”

The opening match of the men's soccer tournament was suspended for nearly two hours during added time after Morocco fans invaded the field and threw bottles in protest of a late goal by Argentina. The goal was later overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR), and Argentina lost 2-1.

“What happened on the field was a scandal. This isn’t a neighborhood tournament, these are the Olympic Games,” Argentina coach Javier Mascherano said.

Paris organizers said they were trying to “understand the causes and identify appropriate actions" after the match in Saint-Etienne. Argentina's soccer federation said it had issued a formal protest Wednesday to world governing body FIFA and would do “what is necessary” to guarantee the safety of players.

“Having to wait almost two hours in the dressing room, after Morocco fans entering the pitch, the violence that the Argentina delegation suffered, our players having to warm up again and continue to play a match that should have been suspended by the main referee, is really something that makes no sense and that goes against the competition rules,” Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said.

Morocco fans rushed the field to protest Cristian Medina’s goal in the 16th minute of added time at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, which appeared to tie the game 2-2. Bottles were also thrown from the crowd and, in frenzied scenes, security tackled pitch invaders.

There were images of Argentina players flinching when what appeared to be a flare was thrown onto the field.

“I deplore the attitude of certain supporters during the match, which tarnished the image of our loyal fans. Such behavior has no place in football,” Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi wrote on X.

In the confusion, it was believed the final whistle had been blown when players headed to the locker room and fans were told to leave the stadium. FIFA's official website declared the final score 2-2.

But it later emerged the game had been suspended with just minutes of play remaining and that Medina's goal was being reviewed.

The players re-emerged to warm up in an empty stadium after around two hours and referee Glenn Nyberg confirmed he was reviewing video of the goal on the touchline monitor. He then confirmed it would be overturned for offside.

Morocco held on for the win as they played out the final three minutes.

“The game was suspended because of security. At no moment did they talk to us about any revision (of the play)," Mascherano said.

"Obviously it's confusing, but we have to move forward. It’s already happened, it’s over. We have to focus on the two games (remaining). Save up the anger and let it all out in the coming games.”

Two-time gold medalist Argentina was one of the pre-tournament favorites and was aiming for more glory after winning the World Cup in 2022 and back-to-back Copa Americas.

___

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.