An Argentina hockey player hit his Spanish opponent in the head with a stick at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. The teams engaged in a 1-1 draw.

Argentine midfielder Lucas Rossi jabbed his hockey stick under Spaniard David Alegre’s head, while the latter was on the floor having his legs stretched by an Argentina player. The incident, reportedly unprovoked, sparked an uproar and the players from both teams exchanged verbals. 

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Alegre was receiving treatment for his cramp. However, it seemed that Rossi believed that the Spain midfielder was pretending to waste time. The 36-year-old approached Alegre, shouted in his face and eventually hit him. An Argentine player was, in fact, helping the Spaniard with the cramp. 

The players of both teams appeared to have calmed down by the final whistle. Rossi, who was fuming, had to be taken to the dressing room. No official statement has been issued by the Tokyo Olympics authorities and/or the teams. 

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Lucas Rossi has represented Argentina at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. David Alegre, who is also a midfielder, was a part of Spain’s 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2020 Olympics team. He won a silver medal at Beijing. 

Currently placed seventh in the world rankings, Argentina had won a gold medal at the Rio Olympics 2016. 

In other fixtures, Great Britain defeated South Africa 3-1 in Pool A. Earlier in the day, India secured a 3-2 win over New Zealand. 

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The Indian women’s hockey team valiant fight in the first two quarters resulted in a 1-5 loss against World no 1 Netherlands. 

Netherlands, Ireland, South Africa, India, Great Britain and Germany make Pool A. Argentina, Australia, China, Spain, Japan and New Zealand are competing in Pool B.