The World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was delayed by half an hour on Tuesday after a violent incident at Maracana Stadium. Fans from both sides clashed during the playing of the national anthems, prompting the Brazilian police to intervene. In response, Argentinian fans threw seats at the officers, causing panic among nearby fans who came onto the pitch to escape the fighting. At least one injured fan was taken from the stadium on a stretcher.

The Argentina team, led by captain Lionel Messi, tried to calm the situation before leaving the pitch and returning to the dressing room. Five-time World Cup winners Brazil were hoping their fans at the sold-out stadium would help them get their campaign back on track after they lost successive qualifiers for the first time in their history.

Reporting by Fernando Kallas

Writing by Nick Mulvenney

Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Stephen Coates