Home » Mascherano slams ‘circus’ pitch invasion after Olympic opener

Mascherano slams ‘circus’ pitch invasion after Olympic opener

Argentina coach Javier Mascherano slams a “circus” pitch invasion chaos in the aftermath of his team’s Paris Olympics opener on Wednesday.

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MASCHERANO SLAMS ‘CIRCUS’ PITCH INVASION SCENE AFTER ARGENTINA-MOROCCO MATCH

Furthermore, Mascherano slams the “circus” pitch invasion scene that marred the Argentina-Morroco Olympic opening match in St-Etienne.

The Argentina coach cited the organizers’ lack of communication after the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium had to be cleared of fans.

Moreover, chaos ensured after Cristian Medina’s injury time goal was ruled offside.

A video assistant referee (VAR) prevented Medina’s goal to tie the match for Argentina.

As a result, Morocco posted a 2-1 victory.

“I can’t explain what happened. We spent about an hour and a half in the dressing room where they never told us what was going to happen,” Mascherano said.

Javier Mascherano rages at 'circus-like' incident during Argentina's Olympic defeat to Morocco https://t.co/keLIn64sDx

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 24, 2024

MOROCCO’S CAPTAINS DIDN’T WANT TO PLAY AMID THE CHAOS, ARGENTINA COACH SAYS

Moreover, Morocco’s captains “didn’t want to play amid the chaos, the Argentina coach said.

“The Moroccan captains didn’t want to play, we didn’t want to continue, and fans threw things at us,” Mascherano recalled.

“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,” he added.

The coach said the match should’ve resumed promptly after the offside ruling on Medina “with the momentum we have.”

“I don’t think the game should be played for three minutes after an hour and a half,” he said.

“It’s a disgrace that this should happen and poison the tournament. This wouldn’t even happen in a neighborhood tournament,” Mascherano added.

Javier Mascherano brands Argentina's chaotic 2-1 Olympic football defeat by Morocco a 'circus' after pitch invasion delays contest for over an HOUR before equaliser is chalked off by VAR https://t.co/LseohB6fB4

— Mail Sport (@MailSport) July 24, 2024

ORGANIZERS DEFEND DECISION, CITES SAFETY CONCERNS FOR PLAYERS, FANS

Furthermore, organizers defended their decision to suspend the match, citing safety concerns for the players and fans.

“The match between Argentina and Morocco at the Saint-Etienne Stadium was suspended due to a pitch invasion by a small number of spectators,” a statement from the organizers said.

“The match then restarted and was able to conclude safely,” it added.

Moreover, Paris 2024 organizers assured that they are “working with relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions.”

Meanwhile, Mascherano refused plans to protest the match and instead focus on his team’s next match.

“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 we will look for the two victories needed to qualify,” the coach said.

Argentina is scheduled to next take on Iraq in Lyon on Saturday.