NEW DELHI: The Olympic men’s football tournament saw an unprecedented start on Wednesday as Morocco shocked two-time gold medalists Argentina with a 2-1 win amid chaotic scenes in Saint-Etienne. The match concluded dramatically, marred by a nearly two-hour suspension following a pitch invasion by Moroccan fans, protesting a late goal by Argentina in the 16th minute of added time, which was eventually disallowed by VAR.
The confusion peaked, leaving it unclear whether the game was paused or finished.Spectators were asked to exit the stadium, while players stayed on-site and returned to play the final three minutes of added time in an empty Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Just before play resumed, Cristian Medina’s contentious goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review, securing Morocco’s victory.
The scene turned chaotic as Moroccan fans, fearing they were being deprived of a crucial victory, reacted furiously. Objects were thrown, and invading fans were tackled by security personnel on the field. Argentina players were seen flinching when a flare was tossed onto the pitch, with bottles and cups scattered across the field, forcing the game to pause.
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Initially, it seemed the full-time whistle had been blown, with even FIFA’s website listing the game as over. However, an hour later, venue organizers clarified that the match was still ongoing, pending a VAR review of the disputed goal.
After a prolonged delay, players returned to the field, warmed up, and waited while an official scrutinized video footage. Following a brief explanation to the Argentina team, play resumed for the final three minutes before the official final whistle was blown.

Morocco had taken a 2-0 lead before Argentina began a comeback with Giuliano Simeone scoring in the 68th minute. Medina’s attempt to equalize sparked the chaotic scenes.
Argentina coach Javier Mascherano expressed disbelief at the situation’s handling.
“I can’t explain what happened. We spent about an hour and a half in the dressing room without any information on what was going to happen,” Mascherano told reporters. He criticized the delay in the VAR decision and the subsequent play of the final three minutes, arguing that it disrupted the game’s momentum.

“The Moroccan captains didn’t want to play, we didn’t want to continue, and fans threw things at us. It’s the biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life, I don’t know why they spent an hour and 20 minutes reviewing a play. If there is offside in Medina’s goal let the game go on with the momentum we have, I don’t think the game should be played for three minutes after an hour and a half,” Mascherano added.
Despite the chaos, Mascherano encouraged his team to focus on their upcoming Group B fixtures against Iraq and Ukraine.
“It’s no use complaining. We don’t like this kind of thing to happen, but we have to turn the page, look for positive things, and aim for the two victories we need to qualify,” he said.
Argentina will face Iraq in Lyon on Saturday, looking to secure the points needed to advance in the tournament.