Argentina has lodged a complaint with FIFA over the controversy that erupted during their Olympic football opening match against Morocco on Wednesday.
The Copa America winners lost 2-1 to Morocco in a match marred by crowd violence and a late equaliser ruled out by VAR after play was halted for two hours.
In the 16th minute of added time, as Christian Medina celebrated what he thought was an equaliser, fans stormed onto the pitch and the players were attacked by explosives being thrown onto the pitch.
The final three minutes of the match were played in an empty stadium in Saint-Etienne, more than four hours after the original kick-off time.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has called on FIFA to “take the necessary regulatory measures in response to such a serious incident”.
The statement added: “Ensuring the safety of the protagonists is essential for the peaceful development of this beautiful sport, and in the home of football in Argentina, we will do everything necessary to make this happen.”
Argentina coach Javier Mascherano described the match as “the biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life”.
🤯 Incredible sequence: l’arbitre d’Argentine-Maroc annule le deuxième but argentin… deux heures après la suspension de la rencontre!
Les joueurs sont revenus sur le Terrain pour disputer les trois dernières minute et le Maroc s’est finalement imposé 2-1 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/1XswW8uXin
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) July 24, 2024
“I haven’t been a coach for long, but as a player I’ve never seen anything like that,” he added at a post-match press conference. Mascherano, who won gold medals with Argentina in 2004 and 2008, said.
“It’s a circus. But that’s reality. We can’t control it. I told the players that now we have to look ahead, get the six points to qualify, and that all of this should fill us with energy and anger for what’s ahead.
“It’s a shame that something like this happens and ruins the tournament. It wouldn’t happen at a local tournament. It’s just pathetic.
“Beyond the Olympic spirit, the organization must live up to the standards, but unfortunately that is not the case at present.”
A statement from the tournament organisers read: “The football match between Argentina and Morocco at the Stade Saint-Etienne was interrupted when a small number of spectators entered the pitch.
“The games resumed and could be completed safely. Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to determine the cause and take appropriate action.”
Argentina play their second match against Iraq on Saturday, while Morocco plays Ukraine.
