Brazil-Argentina delayed after clashes between fans, police

Brazil-Argentina delayed after clashes between fans, police

Brazil-Argentina delayed after clashes between fans, police

ByESPN NEWS SERVICES

November 21, 2023, 8:19 PM

    The Brazil vs. Argentina Conmebol World Cup qualifier at Maracana Stadium on Tuesday was delayed by almost 30 minutes after clashes between the police and fans in the stands in Rio de Janeiro.

    Police on the scene were using batons to break up fights between supporters of both teams, with parts of seats flying around and hitting some of the spectators behind one of the goals. At least one fan left the stadium bleeding from his head.

    Argentina players asked those in the stand for calm before Lionel Messi led them back to the dressing room. Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez raced to one of the rails in front his team's fans to ask police to stop the violence.

    Argentina told their Brazilian rivals they would only return to the pitch after the situation was calm. They returned after 22 minutes in the dressing room, and warmed up for another three minutes before the game was finally started.

    As the match began, dozens of policemen surrounded Argentina fans as they cheered, and even more security faced them on the pitch. Policemen gathered around the section that can hold about 3,000 fans.

    All 69,000 tickets for the match were sold. Brazil fans, who jeered and applauded Messi before the brawl began, chanted against him when he returned to the pitch.

    Brazil players remained on the pitch and warmed up while waiting for their rival Argentina team to return.

    Before the encounter, many Brazil fans warmed up to the Argentine star, with dozens of children wearing Messi jerseys of his previous club, Barcelona, and Inter Miami.

    Argentina lead South American World Cup qualifying with 12 points in five matches. Brazil are in fifth position. Both teams lost their previous games in the round-robin competition of 10 teams.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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