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
Agora no Maracanã, briga entre argentinos e brasileiros. Cadeiras voaram. pic.twitter.com/xLKUEh9mdj
— Isabelle Costa (@bellexcosta) November 22, 2023
Punches and many chairs were thrown, but many of the stadium’s innocent spectators could be seen obediently raising their hands to keep from being pulled into the horrific altercations.
¡Partido retrasado😥!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 22, 2023
😡 Por incidentes en la tribuna, el Brasil vs Argentina se encuentra detenido.#EliminatoriasSudamericanas #RumboAlMundial #Argentina #Brasil pic.twitter.com/2eyGSOwmL0
In an apparent attempt to defuse the situation, players from both teams approached the area of commotion; nevertheless, Emiliano Martinez, the goalie for Argentina, was observed attempting to swat a baton out of the hand of a police officer.
After leading his side back to the locker rooms, Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi waited for more than fifteen minutes.
In the end, the game began at 9:58 p.m. local time.Nicolas Otamendi’s excellent headed goal helped Argentina win 1-0.
🚨 Lionel Messi and the Argentina team walking towards the Argentina fans that are getting hit by security.pic.twitter.com/l6V7BAneyM
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 22, 2023
DISGRACEFUL SCENES BEFORE BRAZIL VS ARGENTINA GAME
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) November 22, 2023
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