Brazil-Argentina delayed after clashes between fans, police - ESPN

The Brazil vs. Argentina Conmebol World Cup qualifier at Maracana Stadium on Tuesday was delayed by almost 30 minutes after clashes between the police and fans in the stands in Rio de Janeiro.

Locals and Argentinian fans started fighting during the playing of the national anthems. prompting the Brazilian police to charge the visiting contingent with batons. Fans responded by ripping up and throwing seats at the officers.

Fans near the trouble panicked and came onto the pitch to escape the fighting. At least one injured fan was taken from the stadium on a stretcher.

Argentina players asked those in the stand for calm before Lionel Messi led them back to the dressing room. Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez raced to one of the rails in front his team's fans to ask police to stop the violence.

¡Partido retrasado