Argentina training base robbed hours before controversial Morocco game
In a shocking revelation, it has now been reported that the Argentina football team’s training base was robbed just prior to their opening match against Morocco in the ongoing Paris Olympics, which ended in a chaotic fashion.
Argentina head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the developments which occurred before their controversial tournament-opening 2-1 loss to Morocco on Wednesday.
Mascherano also revealed that midfielder Thiago Almada’s watch was among the items to be taken away.
The Argentina delegation has now filed a police complaint in Lyon with the prosecutor’s office of nearby Saint-Etienne said Thursday.
Mascherano said after the shock loss, “They went into training and they robbed us, in the Olympic Games. We didn’t want to say anything after training, I don’t think it helps anything. But obviously it’s a bit disagreeable that these kinds of things happen.”
The Argentina coach further added, “What happened on the field was a scandal. This isn’t a neighbourhood tournament, these are the Olympic Games.”
Argentina off to a troubled start at the Paris Olympics
The Argentina men’s team, which won Olympic gold in 2004 and 2008, has faced a challenging start this time around.
Their opening match in Saint-Etienne against Morocco was halted for almost two hours during which the opposition fans stormed the field and hurled bottles in response to what seemed like an equalizing goal by Cristian Medina during the 16th minute of stoppage time.
The match resumed after fans were instructed to leave Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Upon review by the video assistant referee (VAR), the late Argentine goal was overturned.
Morocco managed to maintain their lead as the final three minutes were played out.
On Wednesday, Argentina’s soccer federation announced that it had lodged a formal protest with FIFA, pledging to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of their players.
