August 5 – Thierry Henry, head coach of the French men’s Olympic team, was left fuming as his team’s grudge quarterfinal with Argentina ended with a mass brawl that saw Enzo Millot red carded.
France won 1-0 through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early strike as the host nation chased their first football gold medal in 40 years.
But emotions boiled over after the final whistle in Bordeaux on Friday night, with players from both teams involved in ugly scenes and the melee continuing into the tunnel.
Henry condemned the actions of his players, which he says were not acceptable.
“I do not agree with what happened at the end,” said the famed former France striker.
“One of my players got a red card and I don’t accept that, it shouldn’t happen. I couldn’t control what happened. I went to shake [Argentine coach Javier] Mascherano’s hand and, when I turned around, it had happened.
“We won, but I don’t like seeing this kind of thing. It wasn’t necessary. We didn’t want to lose a player to suspension.”
Friday’s clash was the first meeting of the two nations since the row between France and Argentina following the Copa America final in mid-July after which Argentina players were recorded singing racist chants about the African heritage of some French players as they celebrated winning the trophy.
Despite the chaotic scenes in Bordeaux, France advanced to the semi-finals where they will play Egypt tonight for a place in the gold medal match.
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