Chaos reigned in Argentina's Olympic opener as a late equaliser sparked crowd trouble and a suspension, but the goal was ruled out 90 minutes later.
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Argentina net late equaliser against MoroccoSparks violent reaction from supportersVAR later ruled goal out as African team wonWHAT HAPPENED?
After going 2-0 down in the clash in Saint-Etienne, Argentina fought back with a goal from Giuliano Simeone in the 68th minute. A massive 15 minutes were added on at the end of the second half and the Albiceleste managed to fire in an equaliser through Cristian Medina after a wild attack that saw several attempts blocked, saved and hit the woodwork.
That goal sparked trouble in the crowd, as some people invaded the pitch while the Argentine bench was reportedly targeted by firecrackers thrown from the stands and the game was suspended with minutes left to play.
Amazingly, though, the leveller was ruled out more than an hour afterwards when a VAR review revealed Argentina's Bruno Amione was offside in the build up. Then, the teams were forced to come back out onto the field to play the final three minutes and Morocco held on to their lead to secure a 2-1 win.
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The last-gasp equaliser sparked an angry reaction from spectators as objects – apparently including firecrackers – were thrown at the South American players and fans invaded the pitch. The players were rushed off the field and, instead of the final whistle being blown, the game was suspended, leaving the teams sitting in the dressing room awaiting more news. After a lengthy delay, the equaliser was disallowed and it was decided that the players would have to come out again to play the remaining few minutes.
The uncertainty angered Argentina boss Javier Mascherano, who told reporters: "It's the biggest circus I've ever seen in my life."
Before kick-off, the crowd jeered the Argentine national anthem as they expressed their anger at the racist anti-France chant that Enzo Fernandez and his co-stars sang as they celebrated their Copa America victory earlier this month.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?
An investigation into the incident will likely be opened in the wake of the match, while Argentina will start preparing for their next Olympics clash – against Iraq on July 27.