CHARLOTTE, USA: Liverpool star Darwin Nunez and other Uruguay players were involved in a violent brawl with Colombian fans following their 1-0 defeat in the Copa America semi-final on Wednesday. The chaos unfolded at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, where Nunez launched a series of punches at Colombian supporters after leaping into the spectator seating area.
Uruguay central defender Jose Maria Gimenez explained that the players joined the fray to protect their family members and loved ones, who were at risk in the stands. “This is a disaster. Our family was in danger. We had to go to the stands to take out our loved ones, with tiny newborn babies,” said Gimenez, highlighting the lack of police presence and the dangerous environment created by intoxicated fans.
The stadium crowd predominantly supported Colombia, with no segregation between Colombian and Uruguayan supporters. Several Uruguay players, including Nunez, climbed into the crowd to protect their fans. The fighting went on for several minutes until police finally intervened.
The violent scenes extended to the pitch, with players and staff from both teams clashing in the center-circle after Colombia’s victory. Despite the chaos, around 80-100 Uruguayan fans remained in the stadium long after the match, with Uruguay players returning to the field to meet them.
CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation responsible for organizing the Copa America, issued a statement condemning the violence, that read CONMEBOL strongly condemns any acts of violence that affects football. Our work is founded on the belief that the good ideals of soccer bring people together and foster connections. On or off the field, prejudice and violence have no place.
The organization called for fans to channel their passion into supporting their national teams positively for the remainder of the tournament, emphasizing the importance of an unforgettable and peaceful celebration of football.
