Brazil Brazil could be deducted points due to violence in the match against Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers on the morning of November 22.
Globo reported on November 23 that FIFA is preparing to open an investigation into the incident that occurred before the Brazil-Argentina match. According to Article 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the host association is responsible for security before, during, and after matches. If violated, Brazil could be fined, forced to play one or more matches without spectators at home, or have points deducted.
Brazilian police used batons to suppress fans during the Brazil - Argentina World Cup qualifying match on the morning of November 22, at Maracana Stadium. Photo: Icon Sport
Brazil currently sit sixth in the South American World Cup qualifying group, with seven points from six games. If points are deducted, the five-time world champions could drop to a lower position. The top six teams in the South American qualifying group will automatically qualify for the finals, while the seventh-placed team will have to play a play-off against a representative from another continent.
"There is no place for violence in football, on or off the pitch," FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on Instagram on November 22. "Incidents like those seen in the Brazil-Argentina match have no place in sport or in our society. All players, fans, staff and referees must be guaranteed the safety to play and enjoy football."
About 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off, violence broke out in the stands of the Maracana stadium. According to footage, fans from both sides were seen pulling up chairs and throwing them at each other. Brazilian police then intervened and used batons on the fans. One fan had to leave the stadium with a bleeding head. Another fan had to leave the stadium on a stretcher. Some female fans tried to shield their children, while others climbed over the fence and jumped onto the pitch to avoid the violence.
An Argentine fan leaves the field on a stretcher with a bloody face, during the Brazil - Argentina World Cup qualifying match on the morning of November 22, at Maracana Stadium. Photo: Icon Sport
The cause of the incident is currently unknown. However, according to TyC Sports , the cause began when Argentine fans sang the hit song of the 2022 World Cup, where their team won the championship.
When the violence broke out, players from both sides came close to protest. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez jumped up to stop Brazilian police from hitting Argentine fans with batons. "We saw how the Brazilian police beat people," Argentina captain Lionel Messi said after the match. "What happened in the Copa Libertadores final happened again."
Messi also said that he and his teammates went into the dressing room afterwards to protest the violence. The reigning World Cup champions refused to return to the pitch, before representatives of the South American Football Confederation gave them 15 minutes to return. Argentina eventually returned after 22 minutes in the dressing room and warmed up for three minutes. Argentina won the match 1-0.
Argentina currently lead the South American qualifying group with 15 points from six games. Uruguay are second with 13 points, while Colombia are third with 12 points.
Thanh Quy (according to Globo, TyCSports )
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