One of Argentina’s stars was robbed before the farcical scenes that unfolded during their Olympic Games clash with Morocco.
The men’s football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games began on Wednesday and it didn’t take long for controversy to rear its head.
Argentina appeared to have completed an impressive comeback against Morocco when Cristian Medina headed home in the 16th minute of injury-time to level the score at 2-2.
The Argentinian players were were pelted with bottles as they celebrated and firecrackers were thrown towards the dugout.
The match was then suspended after fans invaded the pitch, with both sets of players returning to the locker rooms and left in the dark about whether or not the game would resume.
Both sides returned to the pitch 92 minutes later to play three minutes of injury-time, but were surprised to find out that Argentina’s equaliser was subject to a VAR review.
The goal was subsequently ruled out for a marginal offside and Morocco saw out the final minutes to claim a 2-1 win.
Argentina head coach Javier Mascherano was less than happy about the whole situation.
“What happened was a scandal. This is not a neighbourhood tournament, it is the Olympic Games,” he said.
“They never told us that a play was being reviewed. We are not going to file a complaint, that’s it. We have to look forward, this is already over. We have to win both games to qualify. The group is strong.”
The former Liverpool and Barcelona star then revealed that one of his players, Thiago Almada, was robbed ahead of the match.
“Yesterday they broke into the building. They stole things from Almada. They ask us for credentials for everything, but then these things happen. They stole Almada’s watches and rings.
“Today they invaded the field seven times and then threw fireworks at us. They told us it ended 2-2. Even Morocco didn’t want to play.”
Tournament organisers released the following statement: “The football match between Argentina and Morocco at the Saint-Etienne Stadium was suspended due to a pitch invasion by a small number of spectators.
“The match then restarted and was able to conclude safely. Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Argentina, Olympics, Football, VAR, Morocco