France is hosting the Olympic Games after a period of 100 years
The Olympic Games have returned to France after a lengthy period of 100 years, and while the city of love, Paris, was expected to celebrate the occasion and keep it streamlined, a few incidents have already marred one of the most significant sporting events on earth.
Unruly behaviour by Morocco fans
Football at the Olympic Games never really gained much limelight, given that it is not a competition organised by FIFA. Not to forget, the majority of the football fraternity does not pay much attention to the Olympics, given that the World Cup, Euro, and Copa America hold more significance. Furthermore, the line-up comprises players aged 23 or below, with only three senior overaged players. In short, obsession with football at the Olympic Games is below par.
However, the recent match between Argentina and Morocco grabbed headlines for two reasons. First, a late goal by Argentina in the 90+16' was ruled out by the referee, following which several Morocco fans entered the pitch to attack the Argentine players. Second, the referee suspended the game, and it resumed two hours later in an emptied stadium only to complete the remaining three minutes.
A screenshot of Lionel Messi's Instagram story
Even Lionel Messi, who is known for his reserve character, took to his Instagram story and wrote "Insolito" which translates to 'unbelievable' in English. On the other hand, Argentina's manager, Javier Mascherano, termed the incident "the biggest circus I've ever seen in my life".
Argentina coach Javier Mascherano: “The biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life”#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/XGOJgt4fqj
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) July 24, 2024
In another incident off the field, two members of Nine Entertainment who flew to Paris to the Olympic Games were attacked by robbers. In north-eastern Paris, the two members were working in an international broadcast centre and were on their way back to their accommodation when the attack took place. There was no weapon involved, and it was a clear case of robbery as the attackers tried to snatch the victims' bags. Fortunately, the two victims managed to flee the scene unscathed.
Another incident involved thieves looting the equipment of reigning Olympic BMX freestyle champion Logan Martin. Although this incident took place in Brussels, where the Australian team was camping before reaching Paris, the incident puts a question mark on the safety of the athletes. Taking to Instagram, Martin wrote, "Our van got broken into last night. Luckily, my bikes weren't in there."
Tourists are equally at risk as multiple cases of tourists getting assaulted are being reported and are going viral on the internet, creating a sense of fear and panic in the air. French authorities have warned tourists, as well as athletes, not to venture alone or visit places that are less crowded. Athletes have also been asked not to wear uniforms in public.
Not merely attacks, but Paris is also reporting financial losses because a large chunk of tourists are avoiding the city. Given the city has become congested and prices have soared high, be it of hotels or the metro system, tourists are not flocking to the city of Love. The months of June and July are considered peak times to visit Paris, but this year, multiple studies suggest that visitor numbers are down by 30 percent.
In a nutshell, everything is going downhill for the European nation even before the tournament has been flagged off, and the world is wondering if the Games will be hosted without any major hiccups.
