Argentina fans face violence and racism allegations at World Cup
Egypt and Cape Verde supporters alleged misconduct by Argentina fans, while FIFA opened a probe into abuse aimed at IShowSpeed.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Egyptian and Cape Verdean supporters have accused Argentina fans of violent conduct during Argentina’s past two World Cup matches, according to accounts reported by Al Jazeera. The complaints come as FIFA investigates a separate racist incident involving a fan at Argentina’s match against Cape Verde.
Argentina, the defending champion, survived close knockout matches against Egypt and Cape Verde before reaching the quarterfinals. Al Jazeera reported that the incidents have drawn new attention to crowd behavior around Lionel Messi’s team during its title defense.
At Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday, Egypt led Argentina 2-0 before Argentina rallied late to win their round-of-16 match and advance. A spectator’s video cited by Al Jazeera showed Argentina supporters throwing beer toward Egypt fans after Argentina equalized late in the game.
In the video, the fan recording the scene said Argentina supporters were throwing beer and said Egypt fans had not acted that way after Egypt scored. The camera then showed Argentina fans appearing to provoke Egyptian supporters, Al Jazeera reported.
Al Jazeera also reported that videos and photos posted by spectators showed Argentina fans waving an Israeli flag toward Egypt’s coaching staff as they left the field after the match. Reuters photographed an Argentina fan with an Israeli flag in the stands at Atlanta Stadium.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has repeatedly spoken in support of Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera. After Egypt’s round-of-32 victory over Australia, Hassan raised a Palestinian flag, and he addressed the issue again before the Argentina match.
“If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human — whether they are Arab, European, or American,” Hassan said Monday, according to Al Jazeera.
Complaint after Cape Verde match
Al Jazeera reported that Cape Verde supporters also accused Argentina fans of misconduct after their round-of-32 match in Miami last Friday. Cape Verde, described by Al Jazeera as a smaller and lower-ranked side, twice cut into Argentina’s lead before Argentina won.
A Cape Verde supporter who asked not to be named told Al Jazeera outside Miami Stadium that Argentina fans threw beer bottles toward Cape Verde fans after Argentina goals. The fan said Cape Verde supporters were far fewer in number than Argentina supporters.
Argentina is scheduled to play Switzerland in the quarterfinals at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday. Al Jazeera reported that FIFA had not responded to its request for comment on whether it would take action or issue warnings over the alleged fan conduct in Atlanta and Miami.
FIFA investigates abuse of IShowSpeed
FIFA said Tuesday that it had opened an investigation into abuse directed at American social media personality IShowSpeed during Argentina’s match against Cape Verde, according to Al Jazeera. FIFA said it condemned the incident.
IShowSpeed has been attending and streaming World Cup matches through an arrangement with FIFA, Fox Sports and YouTube that allows him to simulcast official match feeds, Al Jazeera reported.
During his livestream in Miami, IShowSpeed turned toward a fan in an Argentina jersey who was leaning over a railing to get his attention. When he asked what she was saying, the fan appeared to tell him in Spanish to “go cry at the zoo,” according to Al Jazeera.
FIFA said it “immediately initiated an investigation” into the July 3 incident. The governing body described the World Cup as a celebration of “unity, diversity, and respect” and said people who undermine those values are not welcome, according to Al Jazeera.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.