Morocco was leading 2-0 against Argentina. Argentina managed to score a goal and was pushing hard to level the score. Cristian Medina appeared to have scored a second goal for Argentina, making it 2-2, in the 16th minute of added time. However, only 15 minutes had been originally scheduled for injury time.
There was a disturbance in the crowd following this, leading to a long delay in the game. The match continued without any spectators after the interruption. The VAR system reviewed the situation and decided that Argentina’s equalizing goal should not count. As a result, Morocco won the game 2-1 in a way that many found controversial.
Here’s a breakdown of what happened:
As soon as Medina scored, bringing the score to 2-2, chaos erupted. Fans threw cups and bottles at the Argentina players whowere celebrating. Then, a flare landed near the players and coaching staff, adding to the confusion.
Some fans wearing Moroccan colors ran onto the pitch, and stewards had to escort them off the field.
Riot police arrived at the edge of the pitch, and the referee quickly took the players off the field to ensure their safety.
The fans inside the stadium in Saint Etienne were told to leave immediately. A message displayed on the big screen read: “Your session has been suspended. Please make your way to the nearest exit.”
It wasn’t clear if the match was officially over, but it was later announced that the last three minutes of the game would be played in an empty stadium, without any fans present.
Before play could resume, it was revealed that Argentina’s potential equalizing goal was disallowed. The video assistant referee had determined that a player was offside before Medina scored, so the goal did not count.
The players left the field at 4:05 PM BST and returned to warm up at 5:45 PM before the game started again at 6:00 PM.
referee immediately checked the ‘equaliser’ goal on a pitchside monitor and, as expected, disallowed it.
Play restarted just after 6:00 PM for the last three minutes, and since neither team scored more, Morocco won 2-1.
Soufiane Rahimi scored both of Morocco’s goals: one just before halftime and another from a penalty early in the second half. This win was part of their attempt to start their 2024 gold-medal bid.
Argentina scored a goal through Giuliano Simeone, the son of Diego Simeone, but Morocco secured the win.
Argentina won the Olympic football tournament in 2004 and 2008. Javier Mascherano, who was part of the 2008 winning team, is now managing the team in 2024.
To advance to the quarter-finals, Mascherano’s team needs good results in their upcoming games against Iraq on Saturday and Ukraine on Tuesday.
The tournament organisers said: “The match between Argentina and Morocco at the Saint-Etienne Stadium was stopped due to a few spectators invading the pitch. The match then restarted and finished safely. Paris 2024 is working with relevant parties to understand what happened and decide on next steps.”
Published: 25th July 2024
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