Violent Clash in the Stands
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez was embroiled in a brawl with fans following Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia in the Copa America semi-final. The incident occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, where violence reportedly broke out in the players’ family section.
Players Rush to Protect Families
Uruguay players, including Nunez, entered the stands to protect their families. Footage showed Nunez climbing railings and confronting Colombia fans as teammates tried to restrain him. Luis Suarez explained, “Obviously, if someone is attacking your family, you want to go and defend them, but that doesn’t justify the image that it created.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Defender Jose Gimenez told FOX Soccer, “They stormed all our families, a section of Colombia fans. This is a disaster. Our family is in danger.” Suarez added, “We had to protect our families that were there. There were a lot of children of my teammates who were trapped and things were falling on them. You felt helpless.”
Official Response
CONMEBOL condemned the violence, stating, “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.”
Match Summary
Colombia secured a 1-0 victory over Uruguay with Jefferson Lerma’s first-half goal. Despite playing the entire second half with 10 men after Dani Munoz’s red card in first-half stoppage time, Colombia held on to their lead. They will face Argentina in the final on Monday.