New Delhi: Tempers flared at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Thursday after the second Copa America 2024 semi-final match between Uruguay and Colombia. As per reports, a section of Columbia supporters and a dozen of Uruguayan players were involved in a physical altercation in the stands.
The incident occurred after Uruguay narrowly lost to Colombia 1-0 in the knockout game. A few footages display a dozen of Uruguay players jumped into a stand, which was thronged by the supporters of the opposite side. Uruguay’s charge was led by forward Darwin Nunez as the Liverpool star was seen throwing punches at the crowd.
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
According to a USA Today report, Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez alleged that family members of the Uruguayan squad were troubled by the Colombian supporters, and as a matter of consequence, the players were left with no option but to intervene for their safety.
“This is a disaster, our family was in danger. We had to get into the stands to get our loved ones out, with small newborn babies. There was not a single police officer … and we were there standing up for our own,” Gimenez was quoted as saying by USA Today.
CONMEBOL condemns the brawl between Uruguyan players and Columbian supporters
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) condemned the act which fold up after the semis. In a statement issued by the continental governing body of the sport, intolerance towards such behaviour was strongly voiced but no due course action was promised.
“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football. Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values,” the statement read.
“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party,” it further added.
Defensive mid-fielder Jefferson Lerma’s 39th minute goal powered Columbia to their third Copa America final after they finished runners-up in the inaugural edition in 1975 at home and then lifted the continental trophy in 2001 at the Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campin.
Colombia will face defending champions Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Monday (IST).
Tempers flared at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Thursday after the second Copa America 2024 semi-final match between Uruguay and Colombia. Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
