THIS is the shocking moment rival Argentina ultras scrap with each other, hurling bottles and street furniture before their World Cup clash with England.

Alarming footage shows two groups of fans staring each other down in a busy square in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rival Argentina fans hurl street furniture at each other

Tables are overturned as bottles fly through the air

Tense scenes quickly escalate into full-scale violence as one man picks up and launches a rubbish bin through the air.

As the two groups exchange blows, two men pick up nearby bins and hurl them back in the opposite direction.

One fan then decides to go one step further, picking up a bench and throwing it towards the rival fans.

As tables are overturned and projectiles fly through the air, law enforcement officers intervene to try and break up proceedings.

Two fans outstretch their arms to protect themselves from a bin flying though the air

One fan continues to hurl abuse despite being lead away by a police officer

Despite the strong police presence, the Argentine fans continue to lob various items at each other.

One man can even be seen shouting obscenities while a police officer slaps handcuffs,on him before escorting him away.

It was later revealed the fight broke out between La Butteler and Plaza Jose C Paz groups, ultra factions of Buenos Aires rivals San Lorenzo and Huracan respectively.

Argentina supporters had gathered for a “flag-waving rally” the night before the semi-final.

Security around the venue was tight with bag searches and cops with sniffer dogs counting arrivals in through a tight cordon.

However, the event quickly descended into chaos when the two groups started fighting each other, causing many to flee for their safety.

Their loutish behaviour has led to strong condemnation by other supporters who have called for unity ahead of kick-off.

Thousands of excited fans will flock to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday night for the World Cup semi-final.

Thousands of Argentina fans have flocked to Atlanta ahead of Wednesday night’s clash

England fans have been on good behaviour ahead of tonight’s fixture

Many fans have travelled without a ticket for the match, hopeful of finding one

The streets and squares of Atlanta have been overrun by exuberant fans

Although the venue can only hold around 68,000 supporters, as many as 100,000 from the two competing nations are expected to be in town for the fixture.

Argentina are expected to make up as many as 70,000 of that total.

Thousands of extra police will be on duty with leave cancelled and officers working 12-hour shifts around the downtown stadium, bars and city fanzones.

England fans kept a comparatively low profile the night before their biggest match in a generation – but were certain to gather to roar on Thomas Tuchel’s battlers as kick-off approached.

The FA-backed Free Lions fan support team posted a list of pubs England fans only amid concerns that Argentina fans may spark trouble by gatecrashing.

Three Lions fans last night began pouring into bars: The Hudson Grille, The Irish Exit, The Brewhouse Cafe, STATS Brewpub, Meehan’s Public House and the Park Bar.

Both sides are vying for a place in Sunday’s showcase spectacle where Lamine Yamal‘s Spain awaits the victor.

Luis de la Fuente’s side dispatched tournament favourites France last night to reach their first final since 2010.

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39763635/argentina-ultras-fight-england-semi-final/