Paris Olympics 2024: The football event of Paris Olympics 2024 is off to a controversial and violent start, as fans were seen throwing flares and objects at the Argentinian bench during the Argentina U-23 Vs Morocco U-23 match in Group B. 16 teams are taking part at the ongoing football event of Paris Olympics 2024, and the teams are divided into four groups, each group consisting of four teams each.
All the four groups will see its top two sides progress into the quarter-finals, and that will mark the start of the knockout stage. Defending champions Brazil are aiming to do a three-peat at the Games, as they won the gold back in 2016 and 2020 Games.
On the other hand, newly-crowned European champions Spain will be looking to complete a memorable summer by going one better than what they managed last time around, as they finished runners-up at Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Argentina U-23 Vs Morocco U-23 Group B Match HIGHLIGHTS
Argentina and Morocco were facing each other in the event's opener at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne. The match started-off on an adverse note for Javier Mascherano's side (who is the assistant coach of the side) as Morocco took the lead inside the first half and managed to double their lead via a penalty early in the second half.
However, the 'never say die' spirit of Argentina was on display, as they pulled one back in the 68th minute via Giuliano Someone and after a BIZARRE 15 MINUTES! were added, Argentina managed to score in the 16th MINUTE of the added time and wild celebrations took place in the La Albiceleste's dugout.
What followed later was a matter of complete chaos, as Moroccan fans took an aggressive and violent route by invading the pitch and disrupting the play. Not only this, they threw flares and objects near the Argentinian dugout and players rushed for their life to escape the attack. Play was halted for almost two hours and fans were instructed to take their respective nearest exit, as the beautiful sport of football was marred by violence in the country of France.
Here's What Led To The Restart Of The Match
After the play was halted for two hours, the on-pitch referee was instructed by VAR to rule out the equalising goal of Argentina as one of the players involved in the build-up to the goal was offside and this infuriated Argentina, but nothing could have been done and players of both the sides were asked to warm-up for 15 minutes, and after that, play was resumed for 3 minutes and the game ended 2-1 in favour of Morocco U-23, as they kickstarted their campaign with a win.
Argentina now need to win both of their remaining group games in-order to ensure a top two finish, and they face Iraq U-23 next, on Saturday, July 27, at 06:30 PM (as per Indian Standard Time), and the venue for the fixture will be Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu.