Riot at wake for Maradona - police use water cannons and tear gas

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Chaotic scenes during the wake for Diego Maradona

Photo: Getty Images

It started as a nation saying goodbye to its soccer idol, but ended in chaos.

During the wake for Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday, violent clashes broke out between mourners and the police.

When the police closed the line of mourners who had not yet got to the coffin in the "Casa Rosada" in Buenos Aires, disappointed fans tore down barriers and broke into the government palace.

Maradona's coffin was then brought to a safe place in another room inside the seat of government.

The police used rubber bullets and tear gas, and water cannons drove up.

Argentine media showed photos and videos of chaotic scenes on the Internet.

Policemen were pelted with bottles and stones on the streets in front of the "Casa Rosada".

The government initially decided to extend access to Maradona's coffin by three hours to 7:00 p.m. local time (11:00 p.m. CET).

At around 5 p.m. local time, however, the laying out was broken off and the palace gates closed.

Maradona died on Wednesday at the age of 60.

Thousands of followers have been saying goodbye to their idol since the early hours of the morning.

According to his family's will, Maradona is to be buried on Thursday in a private cemetery in a suburb of Buenos Aires, local media reported.

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svs / dpa / sid / AFP