Additionally, it should be noted that the opinions of the captains of both teams were not taken into account. They had expressed opposition to the continuation of the match. It is now up to FIFA to “take appropriate measures and punish those responsible,” demanded Tapia. Team captain Otamendi referred to a “historical disgrace,” while the local press heavily criticized the host country, France.
“With the shortcomings of a Third World country”
“The organizational start of the Olympic Games was catastrophic, as if they didn’t care about football,” wrote the newspaper Ole: “The Olympic Games, stormed by the absurd. France started with the shortcomings of a Third World country.” The word “Papelon,” meaning a disgrace, was repeatedly seen in Argentina. “Not even the most eccentric novelists would have come up with such a horror story,” headlined La Nacion. The Olympic idea has been “subjected to ridicule.”
The Argentinians believed they had salvaged a point at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard after a supposed goal by Cristian Medina in the 16th minute of stoppage time. However, this last-minute goal, which was later disallowed, only caused utter confusion.
Agitated Moroccan fans initially threw objects and then stormed the field in protest; the teams went to the locker rooms believing the game was over. Even the official Olympic live ticker initially noted “end of play”, but four minutes later, it also stated: “interrupted”.
About two hours after the turmoil, both teams reappeared on the field, now in front of empty stands. The game was to be resumed – but experienced Swedish FIFA referee Glenn Nyberg first consulted the VAR.
Based on the video footage, he ruled it offside, and Medina’s goal did not count. Nyberg allowed three more minutes of play, and then it was finally over. More than four hours after the kickoff.