Watch: Argentine Olympic Football Team Booed in Paris After Racism Scandal

The Argentine men’s football team was booed as their national anthem was played ahead of Paris Olympic football match against Morocco on Wednesday. The hostile reception comes after Argentine team was accused of racism following their title winning campaign at the 2024 Copa America.

Also Read: Israel’s National Anthem Booed in Paris

The Argentine players were greeted with boos when they made their way to the field. The majority of the 35,000-strong crowd, most of them supporting Morocco, continued to whistle at Argentina’s players during the game.

The Group B Olympic meeting ended in a 2-1 defeat for the two-time gold medallists despite the South Americans believing they had snatched a late equaliser.

Fans responded to that goal by raining down projectiles, including plastic bottles and cups, onto the pitch where the Argentinians were celebrating.

FIFA has announced an investigation into the chants sung by Argentina players, including Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 23, after they won the Copa America with a 1-0 final victory over Colombia.

The song targeted France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe among others and included racist and homophobic insults.

At the Stade de France in Paris, the Argentine rugby sevens team were also jeered in their matches against Kenya and Samoa.

“I was surprised today when we came out against Kenya and they started to boo. I was like, ‘Wow, what is going on?'” said Argentina’s Gaston Revol.

“But it’s OK. I understand it is because of a soccer game or something, maybe. They hate us. But I can work with it. We will be OK.”

With AFP Inputs

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