Controversy has struck the Copa America, with Uruguayan players involved in a heated confronation with Colombian fans after fulltime in the tournament's second semi-final.
Despite being reduced to ten men by a red card, Colombia managed to hang on for a 1-0 victory to reach the final of the tournament for the first time in 23 years.
Described as a situation that was 'out of control', a firey match which saw scuffles throughout wound up with players fighting in the stands, including Liverpool star Darwin Nunez and others.
Uruguay players have entered the stands and a fight has broken out between fans and players pic.twitter.com/XRbte2ibiy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2024
After defeat to Colombia, Uruguayan players entered the stands at Bank of America Stadium and began to throw punches. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez amongst those at the forefront. pic.twitter.com/VE3unKObSa
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 11, 2024
Uruguayan defender Joseฬ Mariฬa Gimeฬnez said after the game that the incident had been triggered by Colombian fans becoming aggressive in the stands towards family members of a number of the Uruguayan players, who had been seated nearby, while he also blamed relaxed security and police measures, something the organising body CONMEBOL will undoubtedly need to investigate ahead of both the final and third-place play-off.
โThis is a disaster, our family was in danger,โ Gimeฬnez said per USA Today.
โWe had to get into the stands to get our loved ones out, with small newborn babies. There was not a single police officer โฆ and we were there standing up for our own.โ
The organising body released a statement stating they condemn the behaviour.
โCONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football," the American continental body said.
"Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values. There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field.
โWe invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.โ
It was a 39th minute goal for Colombia, shortly before losing Daniel Munoz to a red card, which saw them through to the final with a spirited second half in defence eventually paving the way for them to hang onto a 1-0 win.
Colombia now advance to the final of the tournament against the red-hot Argentina, while Uruguay will back up to play the third-place play-off against Canada, who fell short in their own semi-final.
