Paris Olympics 2024: What is the controversy surrounding Argentina vs Morocco football match?

The match officially ended in Morocco’s favour.

The Paris Olympics 2024 Games have kicked off with unexpected controversy in men’s football, as the opening match between Argentina and Morocco ended in chaos and confusion.

The game started with Morocco taking a commanding 2-0 lead, but Argentina fought back, scoring once to narrow the gap. In a surprising decision, the referee added 16 minutes of extra time at the end of the match. During this extended period, Argentina scored what appeared to be a dramatic equalizer, leveling the score at 2-2.

This late goal sparked outrage among Moroccan fans, who were already frustrated with the lengthy added time. In response, some spectators rushed onto the field, and there were reports of objects, including flares, being thrown towards the players. The situation quickly escalated, forcing officials to suspend the game immediately after Argentina’s goal.

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The drama didn’t end there. Hours after the match, officials reviewed the equalizing goal using Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Their decision overturned the goal, ruling it offside. This changed the final score to 2-1 in Morocco’s favour, adding another layer of controversy to the already tense situation.

Argentina’s coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed his frustration with the handling of the event, describing it as a “circus.” The incident has raised serious questions about security measures at the Olympic venues and the application of VAR in such high-stakes international competitions.

This unexpected start to the Olympic football tournament has put organizers on alert. It highlights the need for clear protocols in handling extended stoppage time, crowd control, and the use of technology in decision-making.

As the Paris 2024 Games progress, officials will likely review and potentially adjust procedures to prevent similar incidents in future matches.

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