Brazil Vs Argentina Delayed By Violence In Crowd

Kick-off in Tuesday night's World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was delayed due to violence in the stands. Lionel Messi led his team off the field.

Kick-off in Tuesday night's World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was delayed by almost half an hour due to violence in the stands.

Both teams had taken to the field and posed for team photos ahead of a planned 9.30pm start in Rio de Janeiro.

But attention was then drawn to one corner of the Estadio do Maracana where police officers were seen aggressively swinging batons towards a group of fans, most of whom were Argentina supporters.

Video footage also showed some fans fighting among themselves.

Several chairs were thrown, as well as punches, while many innocent fans in that section of the stadium were seen submissively raising their hands in an attempt to avoid being dragged into the terrifying clashes.

Agora no Maracanã, briga entre argentinos e brasileiros. Cadeiras voaram. pic.twitter.com/xLKUEh9mdj

— Isabelle Costa (@bellexcosta) November 22, 2023

¡Partido retrasado😥!

😡 Por incidentes en la tribuna, el Brasil vs Argentina se encuentra detenido.#EliminatoriasSudamericanas #RumboAlMundial #Argentina #Brasil pic.twitter.com/2eyGSOwmL0

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 22, 2023

Players from both teams walked towards the area where there was unrest in an apparent attempt to diffuse the situation - although Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was seen trying to slap a baton out of one police officer's hand.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi then led his team back to the locker rooms, where they waited for more than 15 minutes.

The game eventually kicked off at 9.58pm local time.

Argentina went on to win 1-0 thanks to a fine headed goal by Nicolas Otamendi.

Messi wrote on Instagram after the game: "Great victory in the Maracana although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil.

"This cannot be tolerated. It is insane and it needs to end now!!"

🚨 Lionel Messi and the Argentina team walking towards the Argentina fans that are getting hit by security.https://t.co/l6V7BAneyM

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 22, 2023

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