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Updated 00:57 IST, July 25th 2024

Argentina Coach Exposes Security Issues With Paris Olympics 2024 After Morocco Fans Throw Crackers

The Moroccan fans were absolutely fuming at the equalizer after a host of decisions went against their team in the opening game

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Argentina vs Morocco
Argentina vs Morocco | Image: Associated Press

Paris Olympics 2024: The City of Lights might have never imagined that the 33rd Summer Games will start off in the worst way possible. Scandal has struck the ongoing Paris Olympics on the very first day with things heating up between Argentina players, Morocco players and their fans. A lot is being expected from the 33rd Summer Games, especially after the organizers going about things in an eco-friendly manner, but the manner in which the Summer Games kicked off has been unfortunate.

Argentina Coach Criticizes Security Arrangements

The result only tells part of the story after a dramatic end to the match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, which had to be suspended for nearly two hours when furious Morocco fans crashed the pitch and threw bottles from the stands to protest a late a goal by Argentina in the 16th minute of added time. The angry and bizarre scene sparked confusion over whether the game had been concluded or paused. The crowd was told to leave the stadium, but players remained at the venue and returned to the pitch for a final three minutes of added time in an empty stadium.

ALSO READ | Messi Shares 'Unbelievable' Post After Morocco Fans Heckle Argentina Players

Now former Argentina player and two time Olympic Gold Medallist Javier Mascherano has criticized the organizers and has blamed them of being two faced after crackers were thrown at Argentina players. 'Yesterday they broke into our property and they robbed us. Almada's stuff was stolen. They ask us to show ID for everything but then they let these things happen. Fireworks got thrown at us. They told us the game was over. Even Morocco didn't want to play', said Mascherano.

ALSO READ | Paris Olympics Hit With Scandal, Morocco Fans Invade Pitch And Scare Argentina Players With Crackers

Violent Start To 33rd Summer Games

The Olympic men’s soccer tournament got off to a violent and chaotic start Wednesday with Morocco’s shocking 2-1 win against two-time gold medalist Argentina.

Moments before play resumed, Cristian Medina’s disputed goal was disallowed by VAR for offside, and Morocco held on for the victory. But not before a furious reaction from its fans who thought they’d been denied a critical win against one of international soccer’s powerhouses. Objects were thrown and invading Morocco fans were tackled by security on the field at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne after Medina appeared to tie the game 2-2.

It was initially thought that the full-time whistle had been blown. Even FIFA’s website declared the game over. About an hour after the incident, organizers at the venue confirmed the match was not officially over and VAR would review whether the goal would stand.

(With AP Inputs)

Published 00:25 IST, July 25th 2024