Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has criticised the scenes that delayed Argentina's win over Brazil as police and supporters clashed at the Maracana.
Nicolas Otamendi rose highest to earn a historic 1-0 win for the reigning World Cup holders but violence erupted in the stands, prior to kick-off, which delayed the start.
There were ugly scenes in the stands, particularly in the Argentina section after Brazilian police were said to have charged fans in response to fighting during the national anthems.
READ MORE: Harvey Elliott booed by Goodison - but Liverpool man's response was perfect
READ MORE: Kyle Walker reveals Pep Guardiola plan for Liverpool preparation
Following the trouble, there was at least one injured fan who was taken from the stadium on a stretcher.
Reds midfielder, Mac Allister, was among the Argentina squad trying to separate the metal barriers to reach the terraces to plead for the violence to stop.
The 24-year-old called for troubles between fans to stop, weeks after images of clashes between Boca Junior fans and Brazilian police ahead of the Copa Libertadores final, in order to protect the image of South America.
He wrote on Instagram: "A night full of emotions.
"What happened off the court CANNOT happen anymore, we all have to contribute to give a good image of South America to the world.
"What happened inside the court not much to say, just ENJOY.
"Thank you to those who always support us, GO ARGENTINA."
A report from The Guardian suggested that fans fought back by ripping out seats at the Maracana and throwing them at the officers as the Argentina players were forced to intervene - with footage showing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez trying to thwart the local officers using their batons, after Lionel Messi led the call to calm the troubles but returned to the dressing room for more than 10 minutes.
Messi added that the result is secondary following the horrifying images, he said: "The truth is that this group continues to achieve historic things, once again.
"Obviously, at the beginning it was bad because we saw how they were beating people. You think about the family, the people who are there, who don’t know what’s going on and we are more concerned about that than playing a match. At that point the match was secondary …
"After that, winning this game like this I think is one of the most important wins that this group has achieved. It is something very nice to be able to win here in Brazil, after how strong they have been at home throughout their history."
