Brazil, Argentina football fans exchange blows in Kerala, video goes viral

In the midst of fan frenzy that surrounds the quadrennial FIFA World Cup, a fight erupted in Kerala's Kollam after fans of Argentina and Brazil got into a scuffle - allegedly over an unidentified video clip. The incident happened in the district's Sakthikulangara area.

A video of the incident is doing the rounds on social media platforms. The video displays a group of men - some wearing football jerseys - fighting with sticks and flagpoles bearing the two South American nations' flags.

As the fight escalates, more fans - also wearing football jerseys - can be seen driving past. And, after the fight goes on for a minute, locals can be seen trying to calm the situation.

A case has been filed at the Sakthikulangara Police Station under Section 160 of the Indian Penal Code - disrupting peace in a public space – based on the video of the brawl.

According to a report, a group of 17 fans - residents of Mundakkamugal village pooled funds and bought a house for Rs 23 lakh - just to watch matches together!

In the meantime, in Kannur, a man was taken into police custody for allegedly tearing down the national flag of Portugal that had been raised at a roadside junction.

A video of the man destroying the flag went viral on social media. Some reports even claimed that the man - allegedly a BJP supporter - mistook the flag as that of the Social Democratic Party of India.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Special: Why football players spit on field?