By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Uruguay, Colombia Fans Clash
Liverpool star Darwin Nunez and other Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans following their 1-0 Copa America semi-final defeat on Wednesday. The altercation occurred at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, with Nunez jumping into the spectator seating and unleashing punches at Colombian supporters.
Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez said players intervened out of concern for their families’ safety. “This is a disaster. Our family was in danger. We had to go to the stands to protect our loved ones,” Gimenez, the Atletico Madrid player, said.
The majority of the spectators supported Colombia, but there was no segregation between them and the Uruguayan fans. Several Uruguay players climbed into the crowd to protect their fans, with Nunez prominently involved.
The fighting continued for several minutes until police intervened. An 80-100 strong group of Uruguayan fans stayed on the pitch long after others had left, with Uruguay players returning to meet them.
Ugly scenes also broke out on the field after the final whistle, with players and staff from both teams involved in a melee at the center circle. CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, condemned the violence.
“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any acts of violence that affect football. 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 pitch,” the statement read.
Uruguay, Colombia Fans Clash