Argentina-France Brawl

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Bloody hell, more racism in soccer. That's what fueled this. Does FIFA even care at this point? Start banning these racists. Punishments don't seem stiff enough, and every few weeks we have to write another story on the same topic.

Nicolás Otamendi, the captain of Argentina, was extremely angry after a chaotic brawl occurred following their 1-0 Olympic quarterfinal loss to France in Bordeaux on Friday.

Argentina faced boos from the unfriendly home crowd throughout the match, and a physical altercation broke out among the players immediately after the game ended.

There was pushing and shoving for a few minutes before the players were separated. Shortly after, some France players seemed to rush into the tunnel before returning a short time later to take a victory lap.

Following the scuffle, Otamendi directed his frustration toward France defender Loïc Badé, whom he believed had excessively celebrated in front of the families of the Argentina players.

"I am very angry that they went to where the family members were to celebrate in his face," Otamendi said.


"[If] he [Badé] feels like celebrating, let him come to where we are and we will solve it there. We'll talk about whatever we have to talk about."

Although primarily an under-23 competition, the game was a rematch French fans have been waiting for since Argentina's dramatic penalty shootout win in the 2022 World Cup final.

Tensions were further heightened before the match due to a racism controversy. A video of Argentina players singing an offensive song about French players of African descent surfaced as they celebrated their Copa América win last month.

France coach Thierry Henry was equally displeased with the altercation and was incensed when midfielder Enzo Millet was shown a red card.

"I went to shake the opposing coach's hand and all of a sudden I saw a lot of things happening," Henry told reporters.

"I don't like seeing this kind of thing. It wasn't necessary.

"We didn't want to lose a player [to suspension] but it was pointless, he wasn't even playing [at the final whistle].

"I'm really not happy about that. We were all united, the only drawback is getting a red on the bench."

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in the fifth minute Henry's team, who will face Egypt in the semifinals.

 


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