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8 SPORTS Thursday, 23 November 2023
Prompting Chaos and Delay
Violence Erupts at Brazil-Argentina
World Cup Qualifier
A shocking turn of events, Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier wall to physically intervene but was repelled by police and
between Brazil and Argentina at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã restrained by teammates.
stadium descended into chaos as brawls erupted among In response to the escalating violence, Argentina’s players
fans, leading to the delay of the highly anticipated match. decided to leave the field, with Messi reportedly stating,
“We’re leaving. We can’t play in these circumstances.”
Moments before kick-off, violent clashes between Brazilian Expressing concern over police actions, Messi compared
and Argentine supporters triggered a heavy-handed it to the treatment of Boca Juniors fans during the Copa
response from police wielding batons. Reports indicate Libertadores final in Rio earlier in the month, stating that
that the police actions were in response to altercations that they were “repressing the people.”
occurred during the singing of national anthems, escalating The match was delayed for approximately 22 minutes as
tensions on both sides. Argentina stayed in the locker room while Brazil’s team
remained on the pitch. Only when relative calm was restored
The disturbing scenes included injured fans, with at least did Argentine players return to the field. After a brief warmup
one stretcher seen leaving the stadium. Shockingly, some and a minor disagreement between Messi and Brazilian
individuals were pictured bleeding from head injuries, and forward Rodrygo, the match finally kicked off, nearly half an
dislodged seats were used as weapons. Terrified fans sought hour after the original start time.
refuge by hopping onto the field, while others wore expres-
sions of fear and confusion. The incidents raised questions about crowd control, with
poor planning evident as Argentine fans found them-
Caught in the midst of the turmoil, Argentine players, selves surrounded by Brazilian supporters without any
watching from midfield, attempted to intervene by walking barriers separating the two groups. The situation eventually
towards the scene, joined by Brazilian captain Marquinhos. simmered down, allowing the match to proceed, culminating
Despite their efforts, the violence persisted. Argentina goal- in an Argentine celebration after Nicolas Otamendi’s header
keeper Emi Martinez even attempted to climb the stadium secured the game’s only goal in the 63rd minute.
