After the brawl and violence broke out during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina, the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) still has not taken responsibility. According to their argument, the local authorities had no problem with the security preparations or the supporters’ lack of separation.



Each side blamed the other for the violent occurrences<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chaos-and-violence-in-stands-tarnish-argentina-win-over-brazil-20231122-WST-472065.html"> that occurred on Wednesday</a>, according to the Rio de Janeiro police. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/brazil-vs-argentina-live-how-to-watch-latest-scores-updates-20231122-WST-471687.html">Argentina prevailed 1-0 against Brazil</a>. Before then, the match needed a 27-minute postponement. An altercation between Brazilian and Argentine supporters in the Maracana’s south stand caught the attention of players.



According to a statement from the CBF, they had already disclosed all information on the match’s security and had not received any suggestions. On Thursday of last week, police reportedly learned the two clubs’ supporters would share the stands without separation.



To keep fans safe during the match, authorities used a force of about 700 military police officers and 1,050 private security guards. The section of the stadium designated for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentine team</a>‘s supporters lacked security personnel and a dedicated entry.



Problems started during the playing of the national anthems, which led to the police taking action against the visiting supporters. After returning to their locker rooms, the Argentine players eventually returned to the pitch after things were under control. Argentina captain Lionel Messi said playing would have eased the tensions in the crowd.



Two spectators went to the hospital with head injuries after the altercation. Brazilian authorities took eight Argentines into custody on charges of instigating the violence.



<h2>What did CBF and local police each say?</h2>



“Security of the stands was in charge of a specialized company hired by the CBF. Following its own protocols, the CBF took the decision to release the sale of tickets without quota criteria for fans from both countries and, more seriously, not to delimit spaces in the stands for each fan,” said the Rio local authorities in a statement.



Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.cbf.com.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBF revealed a version of their own</a>. “Staging the match with mixed fans has always been within the purview of the RJ Military Police and other public authorities, as is the standard in competitions organized by FIFA and Conmebol.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231124_WST_472439_Brazil-Argentina-fans-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-472473" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Brazil-Argentina-fans-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Brazil-Argentina-fans-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Brazil-Argentina-fans-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Brazil-Argentina-fans.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Traditionally, games with this much tension have a police barrier between supporters. As seen, the Brazil and Argentina supporters mingled together.</figcaption></figure>



“The action and security plans were approved without any reservations or recommendations by the public security authorities present (RJ military police, SEPOL, the Public Ministry, Fan Court, Municipal Guard, CET-RIO, mayor, concession holder Maracanã, SEOP, etc.).”



“Other matches between Brazil and Argentina, even with greater appeal, such as the 2019 Copa América semi-final, were also played with mixed fans. This is not a model invented or imposed by the CBF.”



<h2>Brazil penalty for fan fights against Argentina</h2>



Mayhem ensued before <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a>‘s 1-0 loss to Argentina at the Maracana. Now, the Selecao may be subject to a points deduction or matches behind closed doors.



According to <a href="https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/59dca8ae619101cf/original/FIFA-Disciplinary-Code-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Article 17 of the FIFA disciplinary rule</a>, “hosts clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during and after matches.” 



This means that CONMEBOL may punish the Brazilian Football Confederation accordingly. That hosts are “liable for incidents of any kind” is a further point made. <a href="https://ge.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2023/11/22/fifa-vai-abrir-investigacao-sobre-atos-violentos-em-jogo-entre-brasil-e-argentina.ghtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Globo</a>, a Brazilian news outlet, said that FIFA is planning to launch an inquiry into what happened. FIFA’s disciplinary policy does not explicitly mention fines. Regardless, the Brazilian newspaper identified possible penalties.



The alternatives include losing the effectiveness of home games. Brazil may play one or multiple matches without spectators. Or, CONMEBOL may put Brazil’s home games at neutral locations.



The alternative to those is a points deduction. That is a massive blow to Brazil’s current standing. After six games in World Cup qualification, Brazil has just seven points. That puts the side in sixth place out of 10 teams. A points penalty might be devastating for them.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Brazil risk heavy penalty after fans' riots in Argentina defeat

Brazil might be hit with heavy fines because of all the carnage that occurred after their 1-0 loss to Argentina at the Maracana.

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Everyone has an opinion on what the best soccer stadium in the world is.
Some say it is where their favorite club plays, others prefer national stadiums. Frankly, there is good reason to support one or the other in that regard. For instance, club stadiums have an incomparable atmosphere and history. Take a club like Liverpool. The atmosphere from the Kop End stands out among Premier League fans, regardless of what they think of their red rival.
Or, look at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou. Few stadiums have the acclaim of such historical sides. Additionally, those stadiums have somewhat recent experience hosting Champions League Finals.
Generally speaking, those major finals, at both the club and international level, take place at stadiums not reserved for a single club. Instead, they are national stadiums. Among the most famous in that category are Wembley Stadium in London. Yes, this stadium recently housed Tottenham Hotspur while its new stadium was under construction. However, Wembley is more famous for its towering arch being the backdrop for Champions League and European Championship Finals.
Same goes for stadiums like the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro or the Stade de France in Paris. While these stadiums feature club teams, they are more recognizable for the international game.
<h3>The best soccer stadium in the world?</h3>
When you hear that question, what pops into your head? In thinking, consider a number of factors. Things like capacity or atmosphere certainly play a role. When watching a game, either in person or on TV, the crowd noise makes a difference. However, also consider general ambience. Take a stadium like Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. This stadium has perhaps the best backdrop in the world. Stadium designers built the ground so that fans can <a href="https:\/\/www.irishnews.com/magazine/daily/2017/08/24/news/the-story-behind-the-stunning-football-stadium-taking-the-internet-by-storm-1120279/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see through the opening in the roof</a> at Cera de la Silla Mountain.
Is it the most electric atmosphere in the sport? Probably not. However, that combination could help you whittle down your answer to just one stadium.
PHOTO: Buda Mendes/LatinContent via Getty Images

Of the multitude of venues both big and small, what is your selection for the best soccer stadium in the world of soccer?

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Brazil risk heavy penalty after fans' riots in Argentina defeat

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What is the best soccer stadium in the world?