Morocco beat Argentina as Olympics football gets off to a violent start

The Olympics soccer tournament got off to a chaotic start after Morocco’s shocking 2-1 win over two-time gold medalists Argentina. A fan invasion in the opening match of the tournament resulted in the game being suspended for nearly two hours when furious Morocco fans protested a late goal by Argentina in the 16th minute of extra time.

Argentina’s Cristian Medina found the back of the net in injury time which was eventually disallowed by VAR after the game was paused for nearly two hours. The first scandal of the Paris Olympics was mired in chaos after Moroccan fans reacted furiously when Argentina netted the stoppage winner.

What actually happened following the pitch invasion at the Olympics?

Both teams were allowed to leave the stadium after Moroccan fans threw objects at some Argentinian players and invaded the pitch by tackling the security personnel on the field.

There was confusion as to whether the game was concluded or suspended as players later returned to the stadium for a final three minutes of added time in an empty stadium. Before the resumption, a VAR check later ruled out the equaliser by Cristian Medina, eventually giving Morocco the three points on the day.

“I don’t remember something like this happening at this level, that the match is suspended for an hour and a half, warming up for 10 minutes and then play three,” said Argentina manager Javier Mascherano.

“What happened on the pitch was a scandal, it’s not a neighbourhood tournament, it’s the Olympics.”