Players from Argentina and France fought on the field following an Olympic quarterfinal.
Although the French defeated Argentina, the two-time gold medal winners, 1-0, the match was tainted by smoldering tensions at the full-time whistle.
Shortly after the referee signaled the end of the game, players and personnel from both teams got into a melee on the field.
When France advanced to the Olympic semifinal on home soil, the players and coaching staff celebrated by pouring onto the field.
Coaches and replacements from Argentina were also observed sprinting on the field.
A handful of Argentine players clearly shoved and prodded France’s top player, Enzo Millot.
As tensions grew, additional players intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation.
The Argentine players were reportedly enraged by France midfielder Millot’s excessive celebration of his country’s victory.
Additionally, Millot was given a red card, and French manager Thierry Henry expressed his anger at his player’s actions during the game.
Henry said that: “I apologize for the final disturbance. It’s not what I wanted and I couldn’t control it.”
“Enzo Millot received a red card after the match. That’s not helpful.
“I don’t like this kind of thing. I’m not happy about it,” he said.
