The Olympic Games have traditionally upheld a code of conduct where fans refrain from booing or jeering at athletes. However, an exception seems to have emerged when it comes to individuals sporting the colors of Argentina.
During the initial days of the Paris Games, a peculiar pattern of hostility was directed towards Argentina. The men’s soccer team faced relentless booing in Marseille, while the men’s rugby sevens team encountered continuous jeers at Stade de France. Even the slightest interaction with the rugby ball triggered further negative reactions.
Notably, Argentina’s national anthem was also met with disapproval, albeit in a milder tone, as the men’s volleyball team took the stage at the South Paris Arena.
This unwelcoming reception has left competitors from other countries perplexed. Australian rugby sevens player Nicholas Malouf admitted to being unaware of the underlying reasons behind this animosity. Meanwhile, Antony Mboya of Kenya speculated that the French crowd might simply be favoring an underdog.
However, the reality is a targeted animosity between France and Argentina. Both sides have acknowledged the existence of a significant rivalry. French fan Jules Briand, who attended the rugby sevens matches to support his team and engage in good-natured taunting, highlighted the intensified competitive spirit between the two nations.
