Infernal scenes in Brazil. The player intervenes in a rowdy encounter

International media are reporting shocking scenes that unfolded prior to the high-profile match between Brazil and Argentina. Fierce confrontations erupted in the stands between the Brazilian police and Argentine fans. Emiliano Martinez, a player who attempted to intervene and deter a Brazilian officer, has drawn attention to the appalling situation.

Matches between Brazil and Argentina are always considered high-risk events. However, the incidents that transpired in the stands of the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro pushed beyond any imaginable boundaries.

The conflict erupted just after the national anthems had been sung. Suddenly, Argentine fans began removing and hurling chairs at the Brazilian police, who retaliated decisively, inadvertently fueling the intensity of violence.

There's a proliferation of videos on social media showing Brazilian police aggressively engaging with fans. Many officers can be seen wielding batons, not hesitating to strike Argentine fans violently. Consequently, some fans have sustained injuries that appear to be severe.

The aggressive reaction of the police spurred Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, into action. In one of the online videos, Martinez is seen with other "Albicelestes" players standing close to the area where the Brazilian police are attempting to control the situation.

Moments later, footage shows Martinez jumping the barrier and attempting to grab the baton held by a police officer. Two other officers intervened immediately. A pointed exchange of words ensued, and one of his teammates eventually pulled the Argentine goalkeeper away from the standoff location.

The unrest in the stands delayed the match kickoff by half an hour. Eventually, after a rough and contentious game, Argentina claimed victory. The world champions scored a 1-0 win, the deciding factor being Nicolas Otamendi's goal.