Watch Argentina Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez Try To Slap Baton Out Of Police Officer's Hand

Emiliano Martinez attempted to intervene after witnessing police officers wielding batons towards Argentina fans at the Estadio do Maracana on Tuesday night.

Kick-off in the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was delayed by 28 minutes due to violent unrest in one section of the stadium.

There had been some scuffles between rival fans but Brazilian police officers reacted with excessive aggression by attacking Argentina supporters en masse.

Players from both teams walked towards the area where police officers were charging at fans. The players appeared keen to diffuse the situation - although Argentina goalkeeper Martinez was visibly furious.

It is understood that the Aston Villa stopper and many other Argentina players were concerned for the safety of family members who were housed in that part of the stadium.   

Martinez was seen trying to slap a baton out of one police officer's hand before being held back by one of his international teammates.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pictured trying to slap a baton from an officer's hand after witnessing clashes between police and Argentina fans at Brazil's Estadio do Maracana

TyC Sports

Moments later, Argentina captain Lionel Messi ordered his team to return to their locker room.

The match eventually began at 9.58pm local time.

Argentina went on to win 1-0 thanks to a fine headed goal by Nicolas Otamendi.

Messi wrote on Instagram after the game: "Great victory in the Maracana although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil.

"This cannot be tolerated. It is insane and it needs to end now!!"