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Argentina’s time on the 2024 Olympics has not gotten off to a powerful begin, having dropped their first sport in a extremely controversial style in opposition to Morocco on Wednesday.
The top of Argentina’s soccer federation mentioned the chaotic ending to its match “[made] no sense,” and Argentina’s coach known as the scene “a scandal.”
“What occurred on the sector was a scandal. This isn’t a neighborhood match, these are the Olympic Video games,” Argentina coach Javier Mascherano mentioned.
The opening match of the boys’s soccer match was suspended for almost two hours throughout added time after Morocco followers invaded the sector and threw bottles in protest of a late purpose by Argentina. The purpose was later overturned after reviewing the play by the video assistant referee, leading to a lot confusion and outrage. Officers decided that Cristian Medina, the Argentine goalscorer, had strayed offside, and Argentina misplaced 2-1.
One of many strangest endings you’ll EVER see. 😳
Over an hour after Cristian Medina’s late equalizer for Argentina in opposition to Morocco, the referee introduced Medina’s purpose was disallowed for offside. After taking part in out the ultimate minutes of the match, Morocco received 2-1. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/PaIhszKyBi
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2024
“As we speak they invaded the sector seven instances after which threw fireworks at us. They informed us it ended 2–2. Even Morocco didn’t need to play,” Mascherano continued, talking on the sport’s controversial end.
Paris organizers mentioned they have been attempting to “perceive the causes and establish acceptable actions” after the match in Saint-Etienne. Argentina’s soccer federation mentioned it had issued a proper protest Wednesday to the world governing physique FIFA and would do “what is important” to ensure the security of gamers.
“Having to attend nearly two hours within the dressing room, after Morocco followers coming into the pitch, the violence that the Argentina delegation suffered, our gamers having to heat up once more and proceed to play a match that ought to have been suspended by the primary referee, is de facto one thing that is unnecessary and that goes in opposition to the competitors guidelines,” Argentina Soccer Affiliation president Claudio Tapia mentioned.
“It’s the largest circus I’ve ever seen in my life,” Mascherano mentioned.
“Clearly it’s complicated, however now we have to maneuver ahead. It’s already occurred, it’s over. We’ve to concentrate on the 2 video games (remaining). Save up the anger and let all of it out within the coming video games.”
The match was one among two opening occasions on the Video games. The Olympic opening ceremony will probably be held on Friday.
Javier Mascherano mentioned the Argentina crew was robbed whereas at coaching on Tuesday on the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/QT1x2AFMdK
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 24, 2024
Mascherano additionally informed reporters just lately that thieves entered the grounds throughout Argentina’s coaching session and made away with varied objects from gamers on the crew, particularly the belongings of Thiago Almada.
“Yesterday they entered our coaching and robbed us. Thiago Almada was lacking a watch, rings, and every thing at coaching on the Olympics. We didn’t need to say something after coaching,” mentioned Mascherano, by way of ESPN FC.
Mascherano didn’t present additional element on the alleged theft.
