MADRID, 22 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, described this Wednesday as “totally unacceptable” any attitude of violence in football, “both on and off the field of play”, in reference to the brawl that occurred in Maracaná just before a match between the Brazilian and Argentine national teams.
“Violence in football is totally unacceptable, both on and off the field of play. These types of events, such as those that occurred during the FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracana stadium, are unacceptable in our sport and in our society,” Infantino said via Instagram.
“Without exception, all players, supporters, staff and managers have to feel safe and protected to be able to play and enjoy football, and I ask the corresponding authorities to ensure that this is respected in all areas,” concluded the president of the FIFA, about an altercation that put everything in check.
At the end of the performance of the national anthems over the public address system, around twenty of the stadium’s security agents launched a very strong charge against a crowd of Argentine fans. Despite the request for calm made by the ‘Albiceleste’ players, the fight escalated and Lionel Messi sent his teammates to the locker room.
After half an hour full of tension in the stands at the south end of Maracaná, and with constant comings and goings in the locker room tunnel, the Argentine captain jumped onto the pitch again with his teammates to play (and win 0-1) a duel corresponding to the South American Qualifiers to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.