Argentina football coach Javier Mascherano decries ‘circus’ after chaotic opening loss in Paris

PARIS – Argentina coach Javier Mascherano said he had never witnessed such a “circus” after a pitch invasion triggered a dramatic, long-delayed climax to their 2-1 loss to Morocco in their Olympic opener in Saint-Etienne on July 24.

Cristian Medina thought he had salvaged a 2-2 draw for Argentina when he scored 16 minutes into injury time. But the goal was then ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR) – only when play resumed for a few minutes after a massive two-hour stoppage to clear the stadium of fans.

Mascherano said there had been a lack of communication from organisers about what was going to happen as the team sat waiting in the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium dressing room before the resumption.

“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,” he said.

“The Moroccans 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.”

However, the former Argentina defensive midfielder said he did not want to indulge in excessive complaining and had 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 we will look for the two victories we need to qualify,” the 40-year-old added.

In a later match, Israel’s opening game against Mali passed the first major security test ahead of the Games’ official opening ceremony on July 26 as fans from both sides played down the political context and enjoyed the action.

France deployed about 1,000 police officers backed by Israel’s own security service, Shin Bet, to welcome thousands of supporters for the evening kick-off.

They cordoned off the streets around the Parc des Princes and set up a perimeter a few kilometres away from the stadium.

The Paris Games take place amid pronounced security concerns and heightened geopolitical tensions, including over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Israeli competitors are being escorted by elite tactical units to and from events and given 24-hour protection throughout the Olympics, officials say.

The Group D match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was attended by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. It was spared of any major incidents as supporters sought to put aside the politics.

Malian and Israeli flags were abundant and the pre-match good-natured with supporters mingling. Inside the stadium, Malian supporters appeared to outnumber and out-sing their Israeli rivals.

The Israeli national anthem was initially booed before those cries were drowned out, while a few supporters waved Palestinian flags.

A handful of people at the start of the game stood near the pitch wearing white T-shirts each with a letter to read out “Free Palestine”. After a minute, stewards intervened and there were no other trouble.

“I don’t really care about the minority who don’t want Israel here,” said Michael Levy, 50, whose nephew Ethan plays in the Israeli team.

He added that he was at the stadium to have fun and enjoy the football.

Other Israeli fans also said they wanted an Olympic truce to forget the war in Gaza and enjoy the festivities.

In the other Group D fixture, Japan beat 10-man Paraguay 5-0 in Bordeaux.

Hosts France also made a good start to their tournament in Marseille, with two goals in eight minutes after the hour mark and a late header from Loic Bade giving them a comfortable 3-0 win over the United States. REUTERS, AFP