FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday expressed zero tolerance for “violence in football”, dismissing Tuesday’s incidents related to the battle between Brazil and Argentina for the 2026 World Cup.
“There is absolutely no place for violence in football, both on and off the field. Events such as those observed during the World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracanã stadium have no place in our sport or society,” the leader emphasized on social networks.
The meeting of the sixth round of the South American qualifying zone for the 2026 World Cup began almost half an hour late due to clashes in the stands of the Maracana with fans of both teams that began during the performance of the anthems. countries mingled around one of the goals.
As the anthems were being played, shortly before 00:30 (in Lisbon), clashes began in the stands between Argentine and Brazilian fans, mixing among themselves behind one of the gates at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Police intervened and clashes began with Argentine fans.
As soon as the anthems ended, Argentina’s players headed towards the match venue in an attempt to calm the fans, but clashes continued and Lionel Scaloni’s men retreated to the dressing room.
On the contrary, the Brazilian players, led by Fernando Diniz, remained on the field.
After a few minutes, the police managed to create a security cordon and isolate the Argentine fans, calming the situation.
At 00:53 (in Lisbon) the Argentine team returned to the field, resuming their warm-up, and four minutes later the match finally began.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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