BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) — The spokesman for the Brazilian football confederation says he shoved a Chilean player to defend himself at halftime of Saturday’s World Cup match.

The altercation happened as the players headed to the dressing room at halftime at the Mineirao Stadium.

Spokesman Rodrigo Paiva says members from both delegations had a heated discussion and “I defended myself when (Mauricio) Pinilla came near me. I reacted by shoving him.”

Paiva says there were a lot of people involved and denied throwing any punches.

Brazil won on penalties to reach the quarterfinals. The hosts will face Colombia in Fortaleza on Friday.

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