FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday expressed total intolerance against “violence in football” and dismissed Tuesday’s incidents surrounding Brazil and Argentina’s battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. Such events, such as those during the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium, have no place in our sport or society,” the leader emphasized, on social media.
The sixth round meeting of the South American qualifying zone for the 2026 World Cup started with a delay of almost half an hour, due to clashes in the Maracanã stands, which started at the time of the singing of the anthems, with fans of Both countries had mixed support for one of the objectives.
“Without exception, all players, fans, staff and managers must be safe and protected to play and enjoy football, and I ask the competent authorities to ensure that this is respected at all levels,” the Italian-Swiss reinforced.
Police intervened and began clashing with Argentine fans.
After the end of the anthems, Argentine footballers went to the venue to calm the fans, but the clashes continued and Lionel Scaloni’s men retreated to the changing rooms, unlike the Brazilians led by Fernando Diniz, who were at the lawn remained.
After a few minutes, police forces managed to create a security cordon and isolate the Argentine fans, calming the situation.
The world champion team eventually returned to the field and the challenge could be carried out, ending with a 1-0 victory for the visitors, with a solitary goal from Benfica’s Otamendi, which was worth the first ever home defeat for the ‘Canarinhos’. access to the Football World Cup in a qualifying round, in the heart of Maracanã.
Source: DN
