![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/incoming\/article31393559.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_PS081123dailystarchat.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEmi Martinez had to be held back by team-mates as he tried to defend Argentina fans from baton-wielding Brazilian police.<\/p>\n
The South American World Cup qualifier was held up by half an hour after trouble flared in the stands during the national anthems at Rio\u2019s Maracana. Video and pictures soon emerged of Brazilian police charging Argentina fans and clobbering them with batons. <\/p>\n
The appalling scenes led to several supporters being left injured while both children and adults were spotted in tears as the distressing scenes unfolded. Concerned Argentina players, including Aston Villa\u2019s Martinez and skipper Lionel Messi, went over to the section to appeal for calm. <\/p>\n
READ MORE: Baton-wielding Brazilian police clash with Argentina fans as players try to intervene <\/b><\/p>\n
READ MORE: Chinese fans attack South Koreans wearing Spurs shirts after Son Heung-min masterclass <\/b><\/p>\nJoin the Daily Star's WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!<\/p>\n
Through the app, we'll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course. <\/p>\n
To join our community, all you have to do to join is click on this link<\/b>, select 'Join Chat' and you're in!<\/p>\n
No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. <\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE TO JOIN<\/b><\/p>\n
Martinez even attempted to leap into the stand at one point in bid to protect the travelling fans from the carnage. The 31-year-old had to be retrained by team-mates as he tried to remonstrate with police before the players retreated to the dressing rooms.<\/p>\n
There were happier scenes for Argentina and their fans as the world champions inflicted a third successive defeat and a first-ever home loss on Brazil in World Cup qualifying. Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal with a 63rd-minute header. <\/p>\n
What do you think of the scenes? Tell us in the comments section below <\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31498061.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_JS317537952.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A bad night for Brazil got even worse when Joelinton was sent off in bizarre circumstances as he tried to fend off Rodrigo De Paul, who had been holding the Newcastle midfielder. <\/p>\n
Messi addressed the crowd trouble after the game, saying: \u201cObviously, at the beginning it was bad because we saw how they were beating people. You think about the family, the people who are there, who don\u2019t know what\u2019s going on and we are more concerned about that than playing a match. At that point the match was secondary.\u201d<\/p>\n
The result left Argentina two points clear at the top of the South American table with five wins from six games. Brazil, meanwhile, are facing a battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as they languish down in sixth spot.<\/p>\n