Mascherano slams chaotic ending to Argentina’s Olympic Games loss to Morocco

Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Morocco in their opening game of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games men’s football tournament which was marred by controversy, has triggered coach Javier Mascherano to show frustration describing it as a ‘circus’ and disgrace.

The match, held at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne, was interrupted for nearly two hours due to disruptive scenes caused by fans.

The game eventually resumed in an empty stadium after spectators were sent home, following a pitch invasion and bottle-throwing incident triggered by a controversial decision.

Argentina appeared to have equalised in the 16th minute of second-half injury time, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

The referee then led the players off the pitch as fans threw objects and caused disturbances. The match resumed with Morocco holding their lead through three additional minutes of play.

Argentina v Morocco was pure box office 🍿 #3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/WfjabRypfw

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) July 24, 2024

• Morocco claim crucial win in Olympic Games against Argentina amid chaos

“I have not been a coach for long, but never in my career as a player have I seen a situation like that,” said Mascherano, who won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2004 and 2008. “It is a circus. But that is how it is. We cannot control it. I told the boys that now we need to look forward, try to get the six points that will allow us to qualify and that all this should fill us with energy and anger for what we have ahead of us.”

The dramatic conclusion has overshadowed Morocco’s impressive performance, which saw them secure a memorable win. The Atlas Lions will next face Ukraine, while Argentina will look to rebound against Iraq on Saturday.

Mascherano’s team will need to regroup quickly as they aim to overcome the setback and advance in the tournament.