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The US Sun
Chaos at Paris Olympics as Argentina match suspended and players flee after fans invade pitch and throw firecrackers
By Katherine Walsh,
1 day ago
CHAOS broke out on the first day of action at the Paris Olympics with a pitch invasion and firecrackers causing a football match to be suspended.
Argentina were taking on Morocco in a fiery opening fixture to the football tournament before the match was resumed an hour later.
Fans threw bottles at Argentinian stars Credit: ReutersMorocco fans invaded the pitch during the Men’s group B match between Argentina and Morocco Credit: GettyThe South American Olympic squad had to duck and dive to escape the pitch Credit: X @TyCSportsPolice officers were seen on the pitch after the pitch invasion Credit: Reuters
Copa America winners Argentina thought they'd snatched an equaliser through Cristian Medina in the SIXTEENTH MINUTE of injury time to draw 2-2 with Morocco.
But the game was sensationally resumed after the longest delay in VAR history.
It's understood that was from local French fans in reaction to a video of Argentina players singing a racist chant as they celebrated their Copa America success.
Thrilling match
Morocco went 2-0 up five minutes into the second half of the game.
A spirited fightback saw Argentina make it 2-1 with 20 minutes remaining.
However, nobody could have predicted what happened next.
With numerous subs made by each side, as well as several injury issues holding up the game, an eye-boggling 15 minutes was added on to the end of the match.
And with the clock running 30 seconds past the allotted time, Argentina bundled an equaliser over the line through Medina.
Some fans were left convinced that the game was “rigged” after the dramatic equaliser.
Many fans watching from home went online to claim that the match was “rigged”, despite there being no indication it was.
One said: “They’re trying to make this Argentina team the team of the century, we can tell it’s rigged.”
Another declared: “They rigged extra time to continue until Argentina scored, what a joke.”
One noted: “Let them play on until Argentina scored, rigged!”
Another added: “I’m not an expert but that was obviously rigged for Argentina.”
Morocco players were escorted from the pitch Credit: Getty
Match suspended and goal disallowed
However, Medina's header was ruled out following a marginal offside AFTER the game was suspended following a pitch invasion.
The match resumed in an empty stadium almost 90 minutes later.
Players were left waiting in the dressing room as chiefs scrambled to resolve the issue.
After 10 minutes of warm-up time, the game resumed for three-added minutes.
Argentina were unable to net another equaliser as Morocco held firm to land an incredible 2-1 victory.
Players and coaches' voices echoed around the empty stands in spooky scenes reminiscing football during the Covid pandemic
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