A violent fan incident spoiled the football game between France and Argentina U-23 at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris—Group B match between Morocco U-23. When Moroccan supporters at Saint-Etiennes Stade Geoffroy-Guichard started pointing flares and other objects at the Argentine bench, an altercation started.
Morocco took the lead early in the tournament's opening match and increased their lead with a penalty kick in the second half. Giuliano: Someone gave Argentina a goal in the 68th minute, demonstrating their tenacious nature. When Argentina pulled even deeper into extra time, the tension reached a fever pitch as Moroccan supporters stormed the field to sabotage the match.
Violent Fan Behavior
After the full-time whistle, the scoreline stood as 2-2 while the fans stormed the pitch and objects were thrown at players inside the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint Etienne, resulting in the match being suspended immediately.
The violence escalated as Moroccan supporters stormed the pitch, hurling flares and objects toward the Argentinian dugout, forcing players to seek safety. The match was halted for nearly two hours, with fans being instructed to evacuate the stadium, tarnishing the spirit of the competition.
After which the official Paris Olympics website released the official statement.
“Argentina vs Morocco to resume behind closed doors — the players will be back out at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard shortly. Three minutes will be played with no fans in attendance.
Controversial Restart
The Argentine camp became even more irate after VAR disqualified Argentina's equalizer for an offside in the build-up following the chaotic disruption. A 15-minute warm-up followed the restart, and Morocco won 2-1 in the end.
Argentina's Path Forward
For Argentina to finish in the top two, they now have two group matches left to play. On Saturday, July 27, at Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, they are scheduled to play the Iraq U-23.
The incident has raised concerns over fan behavior and security measures at the Paris Olympics, casting a shadow over the opening football matches.