Sao Paulo | A World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was suspended amid chaotic scenes after local health officials walked on to the pitch in an attempt to remove three players who did not comply with the coronavirus restrictions.

The match featuring Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Neymar was stopped in the 7th minute on Sunday (Monday AEST) because of the extraordinary interruption. The referee eventually suspended the game with the score at 0-0 after players, coaches, football officials and local authorities argued for several minutes on the field at NeoQuimica Arena.

AP