Olympic officers search explanations after Argentina-Morocco chaos

Paris Olympics organizers began investigating on Thursday, July 25, the chaotic soccer match between Argentina and Morocco that marred the opening day of sport on the Video games.

Argentina’s soccer affiliation in the meantime referred to as for motion following the defeat of its males’s crew on Wednesday. The Moroccans beat two-time gold medallists Argentina 2-1 in Saint-Etienne on the finish of a sport mired in confusion and crowd hassle.

Argentina thought they’d salvaged a 2-2 draw when Cristian Medina scored within the 16^th minute of harm time, as the sport went on even past the 15 additional minutes indicated by officers. However crowd hassle ensued, with projectiles launched onto the pitch and spectators invading the taking part in space. A firecracker was thrown on the Argentina bench.

The gamers had been taken off, earlier than reappearing practically two hours later to play out three extra minutes in a stadium by now emptied of spectators. Medina’s objective was then disallowed for offside following a VAR evaluate, and Morocco held on for the win.

“The soccer match between Argentina and Morocco on the Saint-Etienne Stadium was suspended on account of a pitch invasion by a small variety of spectators,” mentioned Paris 2024 organizers in an announcement. “The match then restarted and was in a position to conclude safely. Paris 2024 is working with the related stakeholders to know the causes and determine acceptable actions.”

Argentina coach Javier Mascherano referred to as the incidents and the ensuing confusion “a scandal” and complained that “we had one million issues thrown at us.” The Argentine FA mentioned they’d made “a proper grievance to FIFA’s disciplinary committee in order that the mandatory measures are taken for such a severe incident.” “There’s a urgent want to ensure the safety of these concerned in order that this lovely sport that’s soccer might be performed in peace,” the assertion added.

Valuables stolen

Morocco’s gamers had been livid concerning the period of time added on on the finish of the sport, whereas their supporters had additionally loudly booed the Argentina crew after they got here onto the pitch and through the nationwide anthem. That welcome got here after Argentina gamers had been filmed singing racist chants following their victory within the latest Copa America.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, one of many highest-profile gamers within the males’s soccer match, was essential of the conduct of some followers on the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. “I deplore the perspective of sure supporters through the match, which tarnished the picture of our loyal followers. Such conduct has no place in soccer,” Hakimi, of Paris Saint-Germain, wrote on X.

Argentina, whose subsequent group sport will probably be on Saturday in opposition to Iraq in Lyon, additionally mentioned no less than one among their gamers had valuables stolen from their dressing room whereas they skilled on Tuesday. “Thiago Almada is lacking a watch and a hoop,” Mascherano informed reporters. The general public prosecutor in Saint-Etienne, David Charmatz, confirmed that the Argentina crew had revealed their intention to file a police grievance in Lyon, the place their resort is located.