Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Argentina is delayed as mass brawl erupts in the stands with fans hitting each other with seats before clashing with Rio police armed with batons in shocking scenes

A mass brawl in the stands of the Maracana broke out ahead of Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Argentina as fans and police clashed in shocking scenes. 

It is unclear what sparked the incident but rival supporters were seen showing one another with some even ripping the seats from the stands and launching them at one another. 

Hoards of Rio de Janeiro police swiftly intervened but struggled to curb the melee before shockingly using batons on the brawling fans. 

The chaos delayed kickoff with Lionel Messi leading the Argentina players back into the locker rooms. 

The reigning World Cup winners initially appeared to be refusing to return to the field for kickoff before CONMEBOL gave them 15 minutes to take the field. 

More to follow.