Maracana Chaos: Brazil vs. Argentina World Cup Delayed

 Maracana Chaos: Brazil vs. Argentina World Cup Delayed

Referee Piero Maza shows a red card to Joelinton of Brazil during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(Image-Getty)

The commencement of the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina faced a 30-minute delay on Tuesday due to a clash between police and fans at Maracana Stadium.

Tensions escalated as local and Argentinian supporters engaged in altercations during the playing of national anthems. In response, Brazilian police charged the visiting contingent, leading to fans tearing up seats and hurling them at the officers. Amidst the chaos, spectators near the disturbance panicked, prompting some to rush onto the pitch to escape the conflict. Emergency personnel were compelled to evacuate at least one injured fan on a stretcher.

In an attempt to diffuse the situation, the Argentina team, led by captain Lionel Messi, approached the terraces. However, unable to restore order, they eventually left the pitch and retreated to the dressing room.

Order was only restored when the police managed to corral the unruly fans into a designated area. After a delay of approximately 30 minutes, the world champion Argentina team returned to the field, and the highly anticipated match between South America's fiercest footballing rivals commenced.

Five-time World Cup champions Brazil had been counting on the support of their fans in the packed stadium to rejuvenate their campaign, having suffered consecutive qualifying defeats for the first time in their storied history.