"100% diving": Ukraine's player comments on shocking defeat at the start of the 2024 Olympics

Ukraine's Olympic team defender Maksym Taloverov apologized for his foul in the opening match of the 2024 Olympic Games against Iraq, which led to a penalty kick in favor of the Blue and Yellows. Commenting on the shocking defeat, the footballer noted that the moment looked like a simulation on the part of the opponent.

Taloverov said this in an interview with Suspilne Sport. The Austrian Lask defender also strongly disagreed with the referee's decision to show him a yellow card for pushing the Iraqi forward. Maksym added that he had to analyze the episode in detail.

"A penalty? I haven't actually watched the video yet. I think I may have pushed him a little bit, but he was 100% diving. Of course, I will watch it again, maybe it was my mistake if it was a penalty. But I think it's definitely not a yellow card. Of course, I'm very upset because I have no right to make such mistakes if it is a penalty. I am upset and apologize to the team. If it is a penalty, I am very sorry," Taloverov said.

Earlier, the head coach of the Ukrainian Olympic team Ruslan Rotan explained the defeat of Iraq in the opening match of the 2024 Games in Paris.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, a huge scandal occurred in Group B of the Olympic football tournament, where the Ukrainian national team is playing, in the match between Argentina and Morocco.

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