Unruly soccer followers disrupted an Olympic match between Argentina and Morocco on Wednesday, turning a 2-2 draw to a 2-1 win for Morocco after Argentina’s late purpose scored was disallowed after video evaluation.
The chaotic scene created shockwaves, particularly with gamers from each groups re-emerging to complete the match in an empty stadium after a delay of about two hours.
Referees took away the equalizer from Cristian Medina, after VAR confirmed Argentina was offside. The groups performed for 3 minutes and 15 seconds after VAR accomplished its evaluation and disallowed the purpose.
“The most important circus I’ve ever seen in my life,” Argentina coach Javier Mascherano mentioned.
Get Olympics updates in your texts! Be part of USA TODAY Sports activities’ WhatsApp Channel
2024 Olympic medals: Who’s main the medal depend? Comply with alongside as we monitor the medals for each sport.
Even Argentina’s largest soccer star Lionel Messi chimed in with a one-word submit on Instagram: “Insólito,” which interprets to uncommon or unbelievable.
The underlying layers to recollect right here: Argentina beat France within the 2022 World Cup. Argentina additionally celebrated their Copa America title earlier this month with a track stuffed with derogatory lyrics geared towards the French crew.
The USA TODAY app will get you to the guts of the information — quick. Obtain for award-winning protection, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and extra.
Medina scored 16 minutes into stoppage time earlier than followers stormed the pitch and objects have been thrown at gamers in the course of the sport.
Soufiane Rahimi scored twice for Morrocco, whereas Giuliano Simeone is credited with Argentina’s lone purpose within the match.
The venue supervisor advised Reuters the sport had been interrupted, including {that a} resolution about whether or not the match can be accomplished was being mentioned.
The groups re-emerged simply earlier than 7 p.m. native time and warmed up a second time so the ultimate minutes may very well be performed.
Reuters contributed to this report.
[ad_2]