Argentina have filed a criticism with FIFA over the controversy in Wednesday’s Olympic soccer opener in opposition to Morocco.
The Copa America winners misplaced 2-1 to Morocco in a match that was marred by crowd hassle, with a late equaliser dominated out by VAR after play had been suspended for 2 hours.
Within the celebrations of what they thought was Cristian Medina’s equaliser within the sixteenth minute of added time, followers spilled onto the pitch and gamers have been focused with explosives thrown onto the sector.
The ultimate three minutes of the sport was then performed greater than 4 hours after the unique kick-off time in an empty stadium in St Etienne.
The Argentine FA (AFA) demanded FIFA take the “vital regulatory measures be taken for an occasion of such seriousness.”
A press release added: “It’s crucial to ensure the protection of the protagonists for the peaceable growth of this stunning sport that’s soccer and from the house of Argentine Soccer, we are going to do what is critical to make this occur.”
Argentina boss Javier Mascherano described the sport as “the largest circus I’ve ever seen in my life.”
🤯 INCROYABLE SÉQUENCE : l’arbitre d’Argentine-Maroc annule le deuxième however argentin… deux heures après la suspension de la rencontre !
Les joueurs sont revenus sur le terrain pour disputer les trois dernières minutes et le Maroc s’est finalement imposé 2-1 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/1XswW8uXin
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) July 24, 2024
He later added in his post-match press convention: “I’ve not been a coach for lengthy, however by no means in my profession as a participant have I seen a state of affairs like that,” mentioned Mascherano, who gained gold with Argentina in 2004 and 2008.
“It’s a circus. However that’s how it’s. We can’t management it. I informed the boys that now we have to look ahead, attempt to get the six factors that can permit us to qualify and that every one this could fill us with vitality and anger for what we have now forward of us.
“It’s a shame that this could occur and poison the match. This wouldn’t even occur in a neighbourhood match. It’s pathetic.
“Past the Olympic spirit, the organisation must be as much as normal and for the time being, sadly, it’s not.”
A press release from the match organisers mentioned: “The soccer match between Argentina and Morocco on the Saint-Etienne Stadium was suspended as a result of a pitch invasion by a small variety of spectators.
“The match then restarted and was capable of conclude safely. Paris 2024 is working with the related stakeholders to know the causes and establish acceptable actions.”
Argentina play Iraq of their second recreation on Saturday, with Morocco up in opposition to Ukraine.
