NOVEMBER 22 – The commencement of the FIFA World Cup qualifier featuring arch rivals Brazil and Argentina saw a half-hour delay on Tuesday due to a clash among the fans in the stands at Maracana Stadium.
Fight erupted among locals and Argentinian supporters during the national anthem ceremony, prompting Brazilian police to intervene. The visiting contingent responded by tearing up seats and hurling them at the officers.
In an effort to diffuse the situation, the Argentina team, led by captain Lionel Messi, approached the terraces before eventually leaving the pitch and returning to the dressing room. As he refused to allow his team play under the circumstances.
Lionel Messi went on to accuse Brazilian police of brutality.
“We saw how the police were hitting people also with some of our families here it also happened in the Libertadores final.” He continued, “They are more focused on that than on playing the game.”
“We are a family. We decided to play to make situation more calm.” Messi added.
Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, aimed to rejuvenate their campaign with the support of their sold-out stadium after facing consecutive qualifying losses for the first time in their history.
