- France triumphed over Argentina with a score of 1-0 in the men’s Olympic football semi-finals
- Nicolas Otamendi, the former Manchester City defender, led the South American team as captain
- He found himself at the center of a significant brawl that erupted after the final whistle
Ex-Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi was subjected to a baseless accusation from a French commentator, who made an inappropriate joke implying the defender could be a domestic abuser.
This remark was made towards the end of the heated quarter-final match between France and Argentina during the Olympic Games on Friday night.
The Bordeaux match erupted into chaos when a brawl involving around 30 players occurred after members of the South American team reacted to the home side’s celebrations following their 1-0 victory. The relationship between the two countries has been tense ever since Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over Les Bleus in the 2022 World Cup.
A video surfaced showing Argentina players belting out a disparaging chant aimed at French players after their Copa America win last month, reflecting the ongoing animosity that flared after their triumph in Qatar.
Prior to the confrontation on Friday, a French commentator even questioned whether Otamendi might abuse his wife after he committed a foul against a Les Blues player.
Argentina captain Nicolas Otamendi was targeted by a French commentator’s baseless accusation
Otamendi married his wife Celeste Rey in 2017. The couple has two children together
He allegedly stated: ‘Otamendi attacks everything that moves. I don’t know if he attacks his wife when he comes home at night.’
Otamendi, who served as his nation’s captain, was central to the chaos that unfolded after the final whistle.
He and goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli voiced their discontent with the actions of Henry’s team.
‘Players can celebrate, but not in front of the families,’ the 36-year-old expressed. ‘There’s a player, I don’t even know his name, Balde or Bade, whatever (referring to Loic Bade). If he wants to celebrate, he should come over to our side, and we’ll handle it. It truly angry me. It’s not right to boast in their faces.’
Before Friday’s match, Argentina’s national anthem was notably booed by the crowd at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.
The incidents following the final whistle also prompted boos from the crowd, which had a strong police presence aimed at preventing possible conflicts between rival fans.
The situation rapidly escalated on the field. One moment, the French substitutes and staff raced from the bench to celebrate with the starting XI, and the next, a massive brawl had erupted.
Players from both teams clashed after France’s 1-0 win over Argentina in Bordeaux
Les Bleus will advance to the semi-finals, where they will take on Egypt in Lyon on Monday
An agitated group of players then made their way towards the touchline, eventually flooding into the tunnel, where further disorder erupted. France’s players later reappeared to celebrate their victory in front of an exuberant home crowd.
The match saw the referee award 30 fouls, issue 10 yellow cards, and send off France midfielder Enzo Millot.
The game’s only goal was scored by Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. Les Bleus will face Egypt on Monday night for a chance to reach the final.
