Trouble erupts in stands during national anthems at Maracanã
Lionel Messi pleas for calm before leaving pitch for 30 minutes
The start of the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was delayed by half an hour on Tuesday after police clashed with fans at the Maracanã.
Locals and Argentinian fans started fighting during the playing of the national anthems prompting the Brazilian police to charge the visiting contingent, who responded by ripping up and throwing seats at the officers.
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Fans near the trouble panicked and came onto the pitch to escape the fighting. At least one injured fan was taken from the stadium on a stretcher.
The Argentina team, led by captain Lionel Messi, went over to the terraces to try and calm the situation before leaving the pitch and returning to the dressing room.The world champion Argentina team eventually returned once the police had corralled the travelling fans in a pen and the match between South America’s fiercest footballing rivals started after a delay of about 30 minutes.
DISGRACEFUL SCENES BEFORE BRAZIL VS ARGENTINA GAME
Police seen hitting fans with batons and sticks to break up fights between #Argentina and #Brazil fans. Argentina team walks off the pitch. pic.twitter.com/1ZoXepxh7R
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) November 22, 2023
MAYHEM AT MARACANA
Brazil's soccer authorities, government and fans should be ashamed at the behavior of the police who attacked innocent Argentina fans. Children and grown men crying. #BRAARG pic.twitter.com/aBQfIJbP9L
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) November 22, 2023
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