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Emiliano Martinez manhandles a police officer and tries to SLAP his baton out of his hand to stop him charging into Argentina fans at the Maracana as World Cup qualifier against Brazil erupts into violence

Emiliano Martinez manhandled a police officer wielding a baton towards Argentina fans as the Albiceleste's World Cup qualifier against Brazil was marred by crowd trouble.

A mass brawl broke out in the stands at the Maracana on Tuesday night ahead of Argentina's 1-0 win over Brazil as fans and police clashed, forcing the kick-off to be postponed by almost 30 minutes.

After Argentina and Brazil fans started fighting during the national anthems, police officers intervened charged the visiting supporters in a bid to restore order, leaving some bloodied as a result.

Amid the shocking scenes, Martinez appeared leap up towards the stands to slap a baton out of an officer's hands before being restrained by his teammates.