![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/131815597_9d29e935fc3dd76c42d7797a63612e82518395e6-696x392.jpg\" "\\"_131815597_9d29e935fc3dd76c42d7797a63612e82518395e6\\"\/")
\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Football\u2019s world governing body Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings after crowd trouble delayed Brazil\u2019s World Cup qualifier against Argentina.<\/p>\n
The match was halted for 30 minutes after fighting broke out in a stand at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n
Argentina captain Lionel Messi later said\u00a0there \u201ccould have been a tragedy\u201d\u00a0and criticised police, who had charged at fans with batons.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
However, the national federations of both teams now face possible sanctions.<\/p>\n
The trouble began during the national anthems before Tuesday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n
As police charged fans, some supporters ripped out seats and threw them at officers, while others spilled onto the pitch to escape the trouble.<\/p>\n
Players from both sides approached the stand to attempt to calm the situation \u2013 Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was seen trying to grab a baton out of a police officer\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
After players left the field the match was able to begin following a 30-minute delay.<\/p>\n
Argentina won the game 1-0.<\/p>\n
\u201cFifa can confirm that its Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and the Argentinian Football Association (AFA),\u201d Fifa confirmed on Friday.<\/p>\n
It added Brazil was being investigated for \u201cpotential breaches of article 17\u201d of Fifa\u2019s disciplinary code, which deals with order and security at matches.<\/p>\n
Argentina is facing disciplinary action over the \u201ccrowd disturbance\u201d and the \u201cdelayed kick off\u201d.<\/p>\n
Sanctions for breaking the rules typically include fines or stadium closures in forthcoming games.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n