Following a heated 1-0 loss to Colombia within the Copa America semifinals in Charlotte, Uruguay gamers, together with Darwin Nunez, entered the stands and fought Colombia supporters. The altercation involving the Uruguayan workforce got here after drinks have been thrown on the gamers as they approached the stands the place followers of each groups have been already getting bodily. 

Nunez may very well be seen preventing followers after a drink was thrown their approach, whereas others just like the injured Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and Midtjylland midfielder Emiliano Martinez have been additionally concerned.

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When requested concerning the incident following the match this is what Uruguay supervisor Marcelo Bielsa needed to say:

“I did not see that. I assumed that the incident ended with some arguments in midfield and after I noticed that occur then I went to the locker room,” Bielsa stated. “I assumed they have been thanking the followers for his or her assist, however then I discovered that there have been some issues over there, sadly.”

CONMEBOL has additionally launched the next assertion:

“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any acts of violence that impacts soccer. Our work is predicated on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us by way of its optimistic values. There isn’t a place for intolerance and violence on and off the pitch. We invite everybody within the remaining days to pour all their ardour into cheering on their nationwide groups and having an unforgettable get together.”

Suspensions are absolutely on their approach after such an unsightly second through the post-game. Each Uruguay and Colombia gamers needed to be separated at midfield following the ultimate whistle earlier than this came about. Talking following the match, Uruguayan defender Jose Giminez blamed the incident on a scarcity of safety, saying that he went over there to guard his household, accusing followers of consuming an excessive amount of and beginning hassle. 

“It is a catastrophe, our households are at risk. Not one single policeman,” Gimenez stated.

In soccer matches all over the world, it is not uncommon for stewards to encompass sections of followers so as to hold gamers protected, however that wasn’t seen in Charlotte through the struggle breaking out. Gimenez referred to as for modifications to be made which can also be essential as the USA will even be internet hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and FIFA will not need an incident even near this going down. There can be extra time to arrange for that event as an alternative of Copa America which was initially imagined to be held in Ecuador, however there are classes to take from this occasion. 

Whereas it wasn’t as huge in scale, there are similarities to the Malice on the Palace in 2004, which came about on the finish of the Indiana Pacers going through the Detroit Pistons in NBA motion. Pistons heart Ben Wallace and the Pacers’ Ron Artest received in a scuffle on the court docket however when a drink was thrown at Artest, he charged into the gang grabbing a fan and began a brawl. 9 gamers have been suspended as a result of that brawl leaving marvel as to what disciplinary actions can be taken right here. Artest received the heaviest suspension, the rest of the season, which was 73 common season video games and 13 playoff video games. The place this will get difficult is {that a} suspension could also be handed down by CONMEBOL for Nunez and Uruguay’s gamers, but it surely may doubtlessly not impression him at Liverpool, although punishments stay to be seen.

It was already a chippy match in entrance of a sellout crowd as Colombian proper again Daniel Munoz was despatched off with a pink card within the first half however Los Cafeteros held on for the victory as a result of Uruguay lacking their attacking possibilities. Nunez was amongst these taking 4 pictures and placing none on course. Because the match already included 23 fouls and eight yellow playing cards, tensions have been excessive all night time however they boiled over in a giant approach.

As for the sport, James Rodriguez’s sixth help of Copa America on Jefferson Lerma’s aim proved to be important as Colombia have now gone unbeaten for a workforce file twenty eighth consecutive recreation.

Colombia will now advance to face Argentina within the Copa America ultimate on July 14th in Miami Gardens whereas Uruguay will meet Canada within the third-place match on July 13, additionally in Charlotte.