Violence hits World Cup as Brazilian and Serbian fans brawl

Violence hit the World Cup for the first time tonight as punches were thrown inside Moscow’s Spartak Stadium as Brazil beat Serbia.

As the majority of Brazilians celebrated their side sailing through to the last 16, some were seen attacking Serbian fans in the stands.

Blue and red shirts clashed with yellow and green ones as a group of men from both countries traded punches. 

As most Brazilians celebrated their 2-0 win against Serbia some were caught up in the first round of violence inside the stands of the 2018 tournament in Russia 

A female Serbian fan (pictured second left) was also caught up in the brawl and was pictured crying as she tried to escape the fight

A female Serbian fan was also caught up in the brawl and was pictured crying as she tried to escape the fight.

Stewards were hauled in to break up the supporters as they tried to restore calm.

It is unclear why the row started and which team initiated the violence. 

Last night’s incident was the first of the 2018 tournament after strong warnings were issued about the risk of hooliganism in Russia. 

Blue and red shirts clashed with yellow and green ones as a group of men from both countries traded punches

A Brazilian fan is pictured holding a Serbian supporter by the hair in the stands of the ground

Kremlin officials sent out messages warning fans not to get involved in fighting and that they would take a zero tolerance approach to violence.

Political tensions and the ugly scenes when Russian and English fans clashed at the Euros in France two years ago were cited as reasons not to provoke other supporters.

Several people were injured when Russian fans stormed England’s part of the stadium at the 2016 match in Marseille.  

Stewards (pictured) were hauled in to break up the supporters as they tried to restore calm

A female Serbian fan is pictured desperately trying to escape the brawl during the game