Argentina star Nicolas Otamendi hit out at France's passionate celebrations following the clash between the two sides at the Olympics.
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French celebrations 'p*ssed off' OtamendiDefender angered by player's actionsArgentina lost to France in quarter-finalsWHAT HAPPENED?
The aftermath of Argentina's loss to France at the Paris Olympics led to a brawl, with Javier Mascherano's side annoyed by the French players celebrating in front of their friends and family. French youngster Enzo Millot was also alleged to have made an obscene gesture to Argentina's bench after the final whistle was blown.
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Tensions have been rife between France and Argentina in recent times, not just due to their match up in the 2022 World Cup final. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was embroiled in controversy recently after celebrating his country's Copa America win by singing derogatory chants about France's team. Jean-Philippe Mateta then scored the winner on Friday against Argentina to send France to the Olympic semi-finals.
WHAT OTAMENDI SAID
Otamendi told : “It really p*sses me off that players can celebrate, they can enjoy whatever they want, but where the people and family are, and celebrate with them there.
"There was one whose name I don’t even know, who if he wants to celebrate, he should come to us and we’ll sort it out there. But that really pisses me off, that they celebrate with them knowing that there are kids and family, that’s not good.
“One of them went to celebrate on our bench. I didn’t really understand what was happening, but then I realised that he went to celebrate with our people. It’s one thing to celebrate on the field with your people, whatever you want, but I didn’t like that afterwards. It’s up to each person."
GettyARGENTINA STARS SPEAK OUT
Along with Otamendi, Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli also commented on the situation, saying: "Sometimes there are players who don't know how to win and what happens happens.
"I think it's completely avoidable, it's not a nice image for anyone. We as Argentines know that when we win, we celebrate with our people and when we lose we congratulate the rival and go inside. I think they had something kept for a long time and today they let it out."