Brazil-Argentina kick-off delayed amid crowd violence

The kick-off of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying clash with Argentina was delayed on Tuesday after clashes among rival supporters in the Maracana Stadium.

The much-anticipated blockbuster between South American football’s two superpowers was due to kick off at 9.30pm local time (0030 GMT Wednesday) but was held up after disturbances in the stands.

Argentina’s players, led by captain Lionel Messi, left the field and returned to the players tunnel as police moved in to quell the crowd trouble.