"He was 100% diving". Maksym Taloverov commented on the penalty kick episode in the opening match of the 2024 Olympics

Ukraine U-23 lost to Iraq in the first round of the men's soccer tournament at the 2024 Olympics. The match in Lyon ended with a score of 1-2. Maksym Taloverov, whose violation resulted in the decisive 11-meter penalty kick, commented on the episode. According to the footballer, he does not believe that the penalty was his fault.

"Penalty kick? I haven't actually watched the video yet. I think I may have pushed him a little bit, but he [Mohamed Carrar] 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's really a penalty. I am upset and apologize to the team. If it is a penalty, I am very sorry," Taloverov said in a commentary for SuspilneSport.