Horror crowd trouble before Brazil v Argentina clash with Emi Martinez desperately trying to stop riot cops hitting fans

BRAZIL'S World Cup qualifier against Argentina was forced to be delayed as police clashed with fans in the stands.

Trouble erupted as the two rival nations lined up for their respective national anthems.

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As fighting broke out in the stands, Brazilian police charged Argentine fans at the Maracana - beating them with batons in shocking scenes.

Supporters responded by ripping up seats and throwing them at cops.

Lionel Messi and Co went over to the stands to try to stop the violence.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner could be seen looking horrified as police continued to attack fans.

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Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even tried to climb into the stand at one point, such was his disgust at the brutality.

At least one supporter had to be taken away on a stretcher, with their head caked in blood.

Eventually the Argentina players returned to the dressing room amid the disturbing scenes.

They stayed there for more than ten minutes before eventually re-emerging.

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The match then belatedly got underway in a cauldron of noise.

And it was the visitors who emerged victorious via Nicolas Otamendi's 63rd minute goal.

Brazil's Newcastle star Joelinton was sent off nine minutes from time for striking Rodrigo De Paul.

After the game, Messi said: "Obviously, at the beginning it was bad because we saw how they were beating people.

"You think about the family, the people who are there, who don’t know what’s going on and we are more concerned about that than playing a match.

"At that point the match was secondary …

"After that, winning this game like this I think is one of the most important wins that this group has achieved.

"It is something very nice to be able to win here in Brazil, after how strong they have been at home throughout their history."

Brazil went into the match having lost back-to-back World Cup qualifiers for the first time in their history, having been beaten by Uruguay and Colombia.

Last night's 1-0 loss stretched their run of defeats to three games.

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They have slumped to sixth in the ten-team qualification group, already eight points behind leaders Argentina.

The return fixture will not take place until March 2025.

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