Today at the Olympics – Things You May Have Missed from Paris 2024

The Olympics is one of the most hotly-anticipated events in the sporting calendar and this year’s edition is no different. Paris 2024 looks set to be an exciting competition that will blend some of sport’s biggest, already established names – such as LeBron James, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz – with stars who specialise in Olympics events, like Team GB’s Dina Asher-Smith and Tom Daley, or American sprinter Noah Lyles.

One aspect that makes the Olympics so special is its ability to drive a mainstream audience towards more niche sports. How often do you watch dressage, syncronised swimming, archery or even weightlifting outside of the tournament’s four-year cycle? It’s a great opportunity for viewers to experience more unique events or even discover a new passion. But with so many events taking place in a relatively short time period, it would be practically impossible to keep up with everything that happens in the French capital.

GIVEMESPORT has put all the incidents you might have missed into one, easily digestible place.

Looking to stream the Paris 2024 Olympics? Here are some free streaming options we recommend.

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Team GB Have Medal Downgraded in Triathlon Mixed Relay

Great Britain Initially Thought They had Finished Second

Team GB had their silver medal downgraded to bronze in the Triathlon mixed relay on Monday morning. It came down to the wire with Beth Potter and American Taylor Knibb sprinting for second. It went to a photo finish and Team GB were initially given the silver medal but, after review, Knibb was adjudged to have crossed the line before Potter and Team GB were downgraded to bronze. Explaining the decision, British triathlon performance director Mike Cavendish told the BBC, per the Mirror:

“I think what’s happened is that, when they’ve come across the line, we’ll look at a video still which isn’t the most accurate picture. Then it’s gone to the official photo finish and it’s shown the Americans have got it just by an absolute whisker ahead of us.

“When it’s as close as that, you’re always going to have to go to a photo finish, and it’s relatively rare in triathlon that it goes to a photo finish. That’s probably why it takes a little bit longer.”

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Savage Noah Lyles post resurfaces after he wins Olympic Gold in men’s 100m

He publicly threw down a bold challenge to one of his competitors in June and backed it up

Back in June, Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville caught fire for being pictured looking at Noah Lyles as he crossed the finishing line as the victor in the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Lyles, 26, took to social media to throw an open challenge once the two met in Paris, and he has since walked the talk to fulfill a vendetta.

He won the Olympic gold medal in the 100m sprint on Sunday night at Stade de France, becoming the first male sprinter from the United States to earn a 100-m Olympic title in two decades, reigniting past kindlings in the process as his tweet resurfaced. Lyles ran the race in 9.784 seconds; Kishane Thompson of Jamaica won silver with a time of 9.789 seconds, while the U.S.’s Fred Kerley won bronze, in 9.81 seconds in a dramatic photo finish.

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Fans want VAR at Olympics after drama robs Team GB of Gold

Amber Rutter hit the clay on the right-hand-side… but it wasn’t counted!

Fans have called for VAR in one Olympic sport after claims that Team GB were robbed of a gold medal in the women’s Skeet event in Chateauroux. Both athletes, Team GB’s Amber Rutter and Chile’s Francisca Crovetto Chadid, finished level on 55 – 55, meaning that a shoot-off was needed to decide the winner of the Olympic gold medal.

During her final attempt, Rutter was adamant that she hit both targets, but the judges thought differently as she was awarded one hit and one miss. That paved the way for Chadid to seal the gold medal as she managed to hit both targets to win.

Replays appeared to show Rutter hitting both targets and reacting on social media, fans expressed their displeasure and demanded VAR to be brought back.

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Embarrassing Pole Vault Attempt Goes Viral

Estonia’s Karel Tilga was competing in the decathlon when disaster struck

“I’m no expert at pole vault,” reads the viral tweet, “but I don’t think it’s supposed to go like that.” The poor athlete in question is Estonia’s Karel Tilga, who got his pole vault attempt horribly wrong in the decathlon this weekend. The 26-year-old ran up and planted the pole but found himself in a world of trouble before crashing back down to earth with a thud.

Tilga, who finished 11th out of 20 athletes overall, was left in a heap on the ground as the crowd gasped. ‘I just wouldn’t show my face back at the village after this,” wrote one person on X (formerly Twitter). The video has already been viewed almost 14 million times on the social media platform.

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Snoop Dogg Shocks Fans With Dressage Appearance

The rapper dressed appropriately for the occasion

It has been a summer to remember for Snoop Dogg, who has found himself in the thick of the action during the games. The musical artist appeared as a torch-bearer ahead of the opening ceremony in Paris, and has been working for NBC as their Special Correspondent.

As part of his duties, the 52-year-old has been meeting with athletes and also captured the hearts of fans for his commentary on badminton. His latest move, though, is perhaps even greater, as Snoop has been spotted at the dressage team Grand Prix event in full equestrian attire, leading to many to dub the rapper as ‘Snoop Horse.’

Team GB BMX Star Goes Viral for Interview

Beth Shriever was favourite to win gold in the BMX final but finished 8th

While the Olympics can bring immense jubilation to athletes who have trained relentlessly for years to win a medal, it can also deliver crushing lows. Spare a thought for Team GB’s Beth Shriever, who was tipped to win gold in the BMX final but ended up finishing 8th.

However, the pre-race favourite who won gold at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo has earned praise for her interview with BBC Sport. Graceful in defeat, the 25-year-old has been hailed for displaying a ‘champion attitude’. “Elite mentality looking at the big picture and realising her mistake,” one person on X wrote. “Great human being.”

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Hu Yicheng’s Costly Error Hands Team GB a Gold Medal

Bryony Page’s win was Great Britain’s first trampoline Olympic gold

Bryony Page won Great Britain’s first trampoline Olympic gold medal following a huge and costly error from China’s Hu Yicheng. The 33-year-old – who took silver at Rio 2016 – followed that up with Bronze in Tokyo before capturing the ultimate prize at Paris 2024 with 56.480 points.

Page qualified in fifth spot but was the penultimate jumper to go, but she impressed the judges with her solo routine in the final. Yicheng of China was the last to go and was tipped to produce something out of this world, seeing that she had qualified in first place.

During her routine, Yicheng lost balance and came off the mat, which didn’t go down well with the judges. Before the scores came through – the mark of 11.790 placed her last – and it was clear that Page was the winner. The Brit could barely believe what had happened when the result was made official, with the British fans in attendance on hand to give the 33-year-old a huge cheer.

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Snoop Dogg commentating on badminton at the Olympics – what’s not to love? The world famous US rapper, 52, is NBC’s ‘special correspondent’ in Paris, and it’s been an inspired move by the broadcaster so far.

The ‘Doggfather’, who carried the Olympic torch in the build-up to last Friday’s controversial opening ceremony, has entertained viewers and gone viral on social media for his unique style of commentary. Analysing a rally between China and the United States, Snoop commentates as if he’s rapping and, for some reason, it just sounds so right.

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Canadian Gymnast Suffers Freak Fall

Felix Dolci went flying off the high bar twice after an equipment malfunction

The men’s gymnastics were well underway on Wednesday afternoon, but one competitor suffered a nasty fall on the high bar. Canada’s Felix Dolci was in the middle of his routine before he was sent tumbling onto the mat.

The gymnast had been gearing up for his next skill on the equipment, but the velocity he was carrying left his hand guard, used to protect those competing on bars, split in two. Footage showed that Dolci’s right hand was left shredded as he made his way away from the apparatus where he was comforted by his teammates.

A ruling meant that he was allowed to return to complete his routine. Although he then fell from the apparatus once again, likely still in shock from his first fall, Dolci still then stepped up to complete his routine as the arena erupted to celebrate with him.

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Irish Rugby Star Shows Off Strength

Erin King saves teammate from injury

Ireland faced off against Team GB in the women’s sevens on Tuesday afternoon, as both nations battled to qualify for the quarter-final stage. It was the latter who ultimately went through, as Great Britain secured a 28-12 win over their opponents.

But one clip from the game has since gone viral. With five minutes played, GB restarted the game with a high kick, one that was misjudged by Ireland’s Emily Lane. She was lifted up by Erin King, but tipped backwards as she secured the ball and it seemed as if she would have suffered a nasty fall.

Fortunately, King, sporting a huge grimace on her face, pulled off a huge feat of strength by holding her teammate up behind her head before then pulling her back over her head to ensure she landed safely. Although Ireland might have ultimately been eliminated, King has received widespread praise on social media for her actions.

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Banned flags at the Olympics

Why Russia, Belarus, and Taiwan aren’t allowed

An image has been circulated on Reddit, showing that the organisers at Paris 2024 have banned three flags at the Olympics. Those of Russia, Belarus, and Taiwan are not allowed to be flown in the stadiums or locations of any events.

There have reportedly already been incidents where venue staff have asked attendees to remove any references to the Taiwan flag. Taiwan actually has to go under the title “Chinese Taipei” during the games.

This is because, despite being a self-ruled democracy of 23 million people, its status remains disputed – with China viewing the island as its own. In 1981, it was decided that Chinese Taipei would be the name used at the Olympics, competing under the “Plum Blossom Banner” (a white flag that carries the Olympic rings). Per France 24, this allows them to compete in sports without presenting as a sovereign nation.

The flags of Russia and Belarus have been temporarily banned due to their involvement in the Ukraine war. Athletes from the two nations are allowed to compete, but only after passing an interview process and agreeing to compete under “AIN,” which means “neutral individual athletes.”

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Lola Anderson Reveals Dad’s Note Months Before Passing

Team GB rower won gold at the Paris Olympics on a photo finish

It was a day to remember for Lola Anderson as she, along with her fellow rowers, took home a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, pipping the Netherlands on the finishing line to top spot, but after the event, she couldn’t contain her emotions after being reminded of her late father’s beautiful and sentimental gesture.

While speaking to the BBC moments after she had secured a gold medal for Team GB, Lola was reminded about a note she was given by her dad just months before he tragically passed away following a battle with cancer. On the note was a message that a younger Lola had written in one of her diaries, which she eventually ended up throwing away. However, little did she know at the time, her dad went into the rubbish and picked out the note, and kept it, giving it to her just two years ago ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

So, what was on the note? Well, it was Lola writing down that her dream was to win an Olympic rowing gold medal. Simply beautiful and a dream well and truly achieved.

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Team GB Snatch Gold in the Women’s Quad Skulls

Team GB overtook Netherlands with the final stroke

If you thought Alex Yee’s gold medal in the men’s triathlon was epic, Team GB’s victory in the women’s quad skulls was arguably even more incredible. The Team GB quartet of Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson and Georgie Brayshaw trailed Netherlands pretty much the whole way but never gave up and managed to overtake the Dutch on the line with an insane sprint finish and make history.

It was the first medal ever for Team GB in this Olympic event. A truly incredible victory and one that is the perfect epitome of the phrase: ‘It’s not over till it’s over’.

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Alex Yee Wins Gold for Team GB in Men’s Triathlon

Yee overcame New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde after a crazy finish

Alex Yee won gold for Team GB in the men’s Triathlon on Thursday after an incredible sprint finish. The Lewisham-born athlete, who finished second in this event at the Olympics 3 years ago, looked destined to pick up the silver medal once again in Paris. But, despite trailing Hayden Wilde for the vast majority of the 10kn run, Yee produced an epic final few hundred metres to pip the New Zealander to the line.

It was a stunning finish and Yee was absolutely exhausted at the end of the race as he collapsed to the floor in a heap. Wilde held on for second while home favourite Léo Bergere crossed the line to take bronze.

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Why Flavia Saraiva Had Black Eye Before Winning Olympic Bronze

Won Brazil’s first-ever Olympic team medal in women’s gymnastics

Brazilian gymnast Flavia Saraiva showed remarkable powers of recovery to pick herself up and deliver a performance of real quality, having suffered a nasty injury during the warmup for her event just minutes before the competition began. The Olympian was left with a visible black eye and bandaging on her face after the fall.

Despite that, he would go on to pick up a Bronze medal during the women’s team final at the Olympic Games. Saraiva performed in all four events during the uneven bars, achieving a score of 13.666, the second-highest score for Brazil on bars.

The team managed a total score of 164.497 points, behind the United States (who won gold with 171.296 points), and Italy (who won silver with 165.494 points). This was Brazil’s first-ever team medal in women’s gymnastics at the Olympics.

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30th July 2024

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Athlete Dislocates Shoulder Celebrating Bronze Medal

Adil Osmanov of Moldova celebrated the win too vigorously

Winning a medal at the Olympics must be a great feeling for a professional athlete, but sometimes people can get a bit too excited about winning. Just ask Moldova’s Adil Osmanov.

Osmanov, who was competing in the Judo event, took home a bronze medal in Paris, and was visibly delighted with the result, as you would be. After defeating Italy’s, Manuel Lombardo, the Moldovan let all his emotion out, so much so, he actually dislocated his shoulder!

Dropping to his knees on the mat, the 24-year-old then fist pumped the air, but clearly he did so with too much force, resulting in his shoulder popping out of place. Ouch!

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Men’s Triathlon Event Postponed Due To Water Pollution

The event was due to kick off on Tuesday morning

In what is a rarity for the Olympics, one of Tuesday’s events has been postponed after poor weather has led to concerns surrounding the quality of water in the Seine river. The men’s triathlon was set to kick off at 8am local time, but was called off after tests showed it would not be safe for athletes to swim.

Training sessions on Sunday and Monday had also been cancelled after heavy rainfall impacted the water quality. The aim is that the triathlon will commence on Wednesday morning instead. However, there is also a contingency plan in place that would allow for the event to go all the way up until the 2nd August before starting.

In a recent statement, World Triathlon said:

“Following a meeting on water quality held on 30 July at 3.30am attended by Paris 2024, representatives of World Triathlon and their Technical and Medical Delegates, the International Olympic Committee, Météo France, the City of Paris and the Prefecture of the Île-de-France Region involved in carrying out water quality tests, decision has been made to postpone the men’s triathlon event which was due to be held on 30 July at 8am.

“Considering the latest weather information, it has been decided to schedule the men’s triathlon event on 31 July at 10h45. The women’s triathlon is due to take place the same day at 8am. Both triathlons are subject to the forthcoming water tests complying with the established World Triathlon thresholds for swimming. The original contingency day also remains in place for August 2, for further considerations.”

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29th July 2024

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Tom Pidcock Booed After Winning Gold Medal For Team GB

The 24-year-old finished first in the cross-country cycling

Mountain biker Tom Pidcock was booed by French fans after claiming Team GB’s second gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games. The 24-year-old overcame a punctured tyre which forced him to fall 40 seconds behind during the cross-country cycling event to climb from ninth to first and win by just 0.09 seconds.

The 2021 Olympic champion pipped France’s Victor Koretzky to the top spot on the podium, having briefly collided with his opponent earlier in the race. However, as he crossed the finish line, Pidcock was greeted by boos from the French supporters, who were clearly disappointed to not see the fan favourite bring home the gold.

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Adam Peaty Tests Positive for COVID

Setback comes just a day after winning silver medal

Adam Peaty had an emotional night on Sunday 28th July, walking away from the 100m breaststroke race with a silver medal to his name. The 29-year-old shared an emotional moment with his son, but admitted that he was suffering with a sore throat before the race.

However, Peaty’s condition worsened overnight, and it was confirmed on Monday that he had tested positive for COVID. He will be hoping to make a full recovery in the coming days, with him expected to be a part of the British relay teams later in the Games. Team GB have said that he is “hopeful to be back in competition”, per BBC Sport.

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Veteran sports commentator Bob Ballard has been sacked from his Olympics role after making a sexist remark about Australia’s female swimmers following their gold medal win in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Broadcaster Eurosport have removed Ballard, whose comments about quartet Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O’Calloghan and Meg Harris sparked a backlash on social media.

As the swimmers made their way out of the Paris Aquatic Centre, Ballard said they were “finishing up”, before adding, “you know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make up”. In a statement, via BBC Sport, Eurosport said:

“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment. To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”

Ballard took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, writing: “The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport. I shall miss the Eurosport team, dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics. No further comment will be issued. Thank you.”

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28th July 2024

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Adam Peaty’s Emotional Interview After Winning Silver Medal

The swimmer has admitted to struggling with his mental health in recent years

It may not have been another gold for Adam Peaty at Paris 2024, but Great Britain’s most successful swimmer was able to get his hands on a silver medal in the men’s 100m Breaststroke event. The 29-year-old was aiming for three straight Games on top of the podium, having won in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, but fell short by just 0.02 seconds.

Peaty has been open about his struggles with his mental health and announced in 2023 that he was taking an extended period away from the sport. He explained his decision further afterwards, stating that he ‘didn’t feel happy swimming’ and that his determination to win had caused him to reach a breaking point, admitting that he had his ‘hand hovering over a self-destruct button.’

Following a remarkable comeback to the top of the sport, Peaty gave an emotional interview to the BBC before receiving his silver medal, saying that his second place made him a winner in his heart. A beautiful moment for the medallist.

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Japan Score Goal of the Olympics to Beat Brazil

Momoko Tanikawa lobs goalkeeper to secure stoppage time comeback

Japan and Brazil’s national teams faced off for their second matches during the women’s football group stage, and it was the former who walked away the victor. However, they needed two goals in stoppage time, including a remarkable goal from Momoko Tanikawa, to beat their opponents.

After Jheniffer gave Brazil the lead in the second half, Japan were made to wait until the first minute of stoppage time for their equaliser. Saki Kumagai converted a spot kick after a handball, but Tanikawa ensured one point became three late on.

As the ball fell to her outside the penalty area, the midfielder hit a powerful first time drive over the goalkeeper, wheeling away in delight. A win sees Japan go second in group C, with them leapfrogging Brazil who drop down to third.

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Man in ‘Snazzy Shorts’ Comes to Rescue Ahead of Swimming Event

The individual got a round of applause after jumping into the pool

There was a brilliant moment in the aquatics arena on Sunday as a man in ‘snazzy shorts’ walked out and jumped into the pool, much to the delight of the 15,000 fans inside the arena.

Ahead of the women’s 100m breaststroke prelims on Sunday afternoon, American swimmer Emma Weber lost her swim cap in the pool at the La Defense Arena. The individual in speedos came to the rescue as he sprung into action and retrieved the cap.

“That’s surely his first Olympic appearance, look at that!” The commentator said as he made his way to the pool. After he retrieved the cap and began to make his way out of the arena, the commentator added: “That was the quickest in-and-out in history!”

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Opening Ceremony Actor Speaks Out

‘Dancing blue man’ responds to criticism following fierce backlash

The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has been the biggest talking point during the opening days of this summer’s showpiece sporting event – by a distance. While some loved the quirkiness of the traditional curtain-raiser, others were left appalled – particularly by *that* Last Supper sketch which has forced organisers to apologise to Catholics and other Christian groups.

One of the most prominent characters in said scene was French actor and singer Phillippe Katerine, who was painted head to toe in blue and left little to the imagination with his costume. Responding to the critics, Katerine has broken his silence, telling BFM TV (per the Daily Mail):

“It wouldn’t be fun if there were no controversy. Wouldn’t it be boring if everyone agreed on this planet?”

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27th July 2024

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The punishment came after they were caught spying on New Zealand

Earlier this week, the Canadian Women’s football team were caught using a drone to spy on the New Zealand squad as they were preparing to face each other. As a result, it was revealed today that the nation would be handed a six-point deduction as punishment, giving them very little chance of getting out of the group stages.

Head coach Bev Priestman has also been handed a year-long ban for her role in the situation. Canada went on to beat New Zealand in the eventual meeting, 2-1, but following the punishment, they now find themselves sitting on -3 points and the defending champions face a very tall task if they’re to retain their crown.

Disastrous Dive Costs Australia

Team GB secure first medal after cruel moment for Annabelle Smith

A calamitous dive from Australia’s Anabelle Smith saw Team GB claim their first medal of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Divers Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen secured bronze in the women’s synchronised 3m springboard – Britain’s first female diving medal at an Olympics for 64 years.

Australia’s Smith and Maddison Keeney – the world silver medallists – were firmly in contention to secure a place on the podium, only for a cruel slip to cost the duo during one of the most important dives of their lives. The Australian pair subsequently finished fifth, with a score of just 48.60, leaving their British rivals jubilant.

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Fans Spot Awkward Olympic Flag Gaffe

Incident during the Opening Ceremony didn’t go unnoticed on social media

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris certainly managed to split opinion. Broadcast from across the French capital, rather than inside a stadium, it was an incredibly audacious opening to this summer’s showpiece event. While some people loved how daring it was, despite the constant rainfall, others were left far from convinced by the spectacle.

One moment in particular summed up the ceremony, in the eyes of critics. Viewers noticed how the famous Olympic flag was hoisted upside down. One person on X (formerly Twitter) commented: “This has to be the biggest upside down flag gaff in history.” Another said: “What a joke. They just hung the flag upside down at the Olympics. Who’s running this circus?”. While another wrote: “If you’re having a bad day at work, it could be worse. You could be the flag team that hoisted the Olympic Flag upside down at the opening ceremony.”

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25th July 2024

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Argentina’s National Anthem was Booed by Locals

Ill-feeling from Enzo Fernandez controversy

Argentina and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was forced to apologise recently after live streaming himself and Albiceleste team-mates singing a fan chant about the France national team that included offensive racial slurs. It comes at a time when far-right politics are a major issue in France and has become one of the biggest stories of football’s off-season following the end of the European Championship and the Copa America.

Despite Fernandez’s apology, it seems Parisians have not forgiven him nor Argentine football as a collective. They made their feelings known when Argentina faced Morocco in the Olympics’ football tournament – a match which became shrouded in controversy after a two-hour stoppage resulted in the South American nation’s last-minute equaliser being eventually ruled out.

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