France and Argentina stars FIGHT on the pitch in 30-man brawl after hosts won Olympic quarter-final before clashes continue down the tunnel - as grudge match turns nasty amid racism storm

Friday's quarter-final between France and Argentina in the men's Olympic football tournament was followed by a huge melee on the field.

Hosts France, managed by Thierry Henry, won the game 1-0 to set up a clash with Egypt in the last four thanks to an early goal by Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The game was the latest chapter in a fierce rivalry between these two great footballing nations.

Tension between the two has been high since Argentina beat Les Bleus in a penalty shootout to win an epic FIFA World Cup final in December 2022.

Some of Argentina's fans celebrated that victory with a derogatory chant about France that has been widely condemned as racist, homophobic, and transphobic.

But that song was sung again - including by a group of players - after Argentina won this summer's Copa America in the USA.

Before Friday's match, Argentina's national anthem was widely booed by the crowd at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

But that song was sung again - including by a group of players - after Argentina won this summer's Copa America in the USA.

Before Friday's match, Argentina's national anthem was widely booed by the crowd at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

Friday's fixture may have missed the star power of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, but it did not lack intensity.

The referee awarded 30 fouls, issued 10 yellow cards, and sent off France midfielder Enzo Millot.