Brazil risks finding itself in a very bad position in its qualifying group for the World Cup.
Brazil are threatened with a loss of points due to the incidents which marred their losing match against Argentina in World Cup qualifying.
The Selecao faced their sworn enemy on Tuesday at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. The Auriverde lost 1-0, in a match which saw the expulsion of midfielder Joelinton. But it was the events in the stands that left their mark.
Maracana incidents could be costly
A fight broke out between rival fans before the match, and local police intervened. Lionel Messi led his teammates off the field before kickoff, delaying the match for 30 minutes. Argentinian goalkeeper Emi Martinez also stood out by jumping towards the crowd and delivering a baton blow to one of the police officers whose behavior was considered excessive.
According to Globo, Brazil could now be sanctioned. Article 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code states that “Host clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during and after matches,” while adding that the hosts are “responsible for incidents of all kinds”. There is no established procedure for sanctions, but an investigation is underway. It is possible that fines will be imposed, that matches will be played behind closed doors or, finally, that a withdrawal of points will be implemented.
Brazil risks big
If the Seleçao is penalized sportingly, it will be in deep trouble. Already with its current harvest (7 points taken in 6 matches), it is not proud given that it is only 6e in the general classification. As a reminder, the five-time world champions are the only nation to have never missed a global tournament. The most difficult campaign was 2002. Paradoxically, it led to a world title a few months later.
