FIFA open investigation into Brazil and Argentina after chaos during World Cup qualifier at Maracana – with hosts ‘facing possible points deduction or playing in an empty stadium’

FIFA confirmed that Brazil and Argentina will be investigated by their disciplinary committee after their ferocious clash at the Maracana earlier this week. 

The Brazilian football federation was charged with possible breaches of order and security and ‘inappropriate behaviour’ from supporters.

FIFA will look into the conduct of the Argentina national team with regards to the delayed kick-off, as well as crowd disturbances alongside Brazil. 

Brazil could reportedly face a point deduction or be forced to play behind closed doors following the chaos that marred their 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina at the Maracana. 

A mass brawl broke out in the stands ahead of the game between rival supporters, before clashing with police, forcing kick-off to be delayed by half-an-hour. 

Rivals fans fought in the stands before there were clashes with police with batons used on the brawling supporters

Players went to the stands to try and calm the situation down, with the match delayed by 30 minutes

Some players from both sides approached the stands to try and calm fans down, though Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez leapt up towards the stands to slap a baton out of an officer’s hands before being restrained by his team-mates. 

Angel Di Maria was caught on camera spitting towards a fan who had thrown beer on him while he and team-mates retreated down the tunnel. 

The Brazilian Football Confederation could face punishment as Article 17 of the FIFA disciplinary code states that ‘hosts clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during and after matches. 

It adds that hosts are ‘liable for incidents of any kind’ that take place.

While FIFA’s disciplinary code does not provide specific punishments, Globo claim that punishments can include fines, playing one or more matches without fans, an obligation to play on a neutral field or even deduction of points. 

A points deduction could be a big hit for Brazil who have only taken seven points from their opening six games in World Cup qualifying, and sit sixth out of ten teams. 

Only six teams from the South American section automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the seventh placed side goes into an Inter-confederation play-off.

In a post on Instagram, FIFA president Gianni Infantino lamented the violence that occurred at the Maracana.

Aston Villa and Argentina keeper Martinez appeared to try and grab an officer’s baton

Lionel Messi led the Argentina players off the field with kickoff delayed due to the violence

The reigning World Cup winners initially appeared to be refusing to return to the field but eventually did so 22 minutes later

His message read: ‘There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. Such events, such as those seen during the FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium, have no place in our sport or society. 

‘Without exception, all players, fans, staff and officials need to be safe and secure to play and enjoy football, and I urge the relevant authorities to ensure this is respected at all levels.’

It is unclear what sparked the incident involving rival fans at the Maracana earlier this week.

Fans could be seen ripping seats from the stands and launching them at rival supporters, while hoards of Rio de Janeiro police swiftly intervened but struggled to curb the melee before using batons on the brawling fans. 

Parts of seats flew around and hit some of the spectators behind one of the goals. At least one fan left the stadium bleeding from his head, while a video of the scenes showed a supporter profusely bleeding while lying on a gurney on the ground.

Some fans climbed over the railings to escape the violence in the stands with mothers seen sheltering young children.

Other supporters were seen in tears after the violent scenes were finally quelled, clearly left shaken up as they waited to see their teams in action.

Some fans were spotted bleeding from their heads with at least one leaving the stadium

Other supporters at the Maracana were spotted crying as the violence subsided 

A mother is seen sheltering her young children as they flee the chaotic scenes in the stadium

Injured Argentina and Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez commented on Instagram: ‘It’s a shame to see what Brazilian police are doing! 

‘So how can that be possible? How long we have to see these scenes?! It’s always the same [in Brazil].’

Following the game, Lionel Messi launched a scathing attack on the Brazilian police, saying: ‘We saw how [police] were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final. They were more focused on that than on the game.’

The Ballon d’Or winner was referring to the scenes at the Maracana before Fluminense’s win over Boca Juniors this year.

Prior to that clash Brazilian police were also seen firing rubber bullets at Boca Juniors fans on the iconic Copacabana beach before the final.  

‘We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened,’ he added. 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino lamented the violence that occurred in a statement online

Brazil have had a poor start to World Cup qualifying with just seven points out of six games

Amid the tumult, Messi ultimately led his Albiceleste teammates back into the locker rooms.

The reigning World Cup winners initially appeared to be refusing to return to the field for kickoff before CONMEBOL gave them 15 minutes to take the field.

Argentina are thought to have told their Brazil rivals they would only return to the pitch after the situation was calm.

They eventually returned after 22 minutes in the dressing room, and warmed up for another three minutes before the game was finally started.