Georgian MPs brawl during TV debate

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL

Two Georgian MPs exchanged insults and came to blows during a live television broadcast on Wednesday (February 13) in the studio of a Georgian independent TV channel, Maestro.

Koba Davitashvili from the Georgian Dream party could be heard calling Sergo Ratiani from the United National Movement party a snake during the recording of Maestro's political programme called 'Argument.'

"I will cut off your snake head," said Davitashvili to Ratiani across the desk.

The female anchor could be seen making unsuccessful efforts to calm the unfolding situation, calling on the MP to 'talk appropriately'.

"You are behaving very badly, your actions are not adequate. You do not have arguments, you are shouting, you do not have any argument and all you can do is shout," Ratiani could be heard retorting back.

But the situation escalated with Davitashvili calling Ratiani a "jerk, a rascal and a murderer."

Ratiani then stood up and smashed a glass of water against the table. Davitashvili who had crossed the studio towards Ratiani approached the other MP before the two started physically fighting each other, with Ratiani punching Davitashvili in the face.

Studio security rushed to the scene to stop the fight between the two MPs, both of whom were guided off set, before the live broadcast was taken off air.