The second Copa America semifinal turned violent on Wednesday when Uruguayan players clashed with fans in the stands after being eliminated by Colombia. The incident occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Details of the Incident
Cameras captured several players, led by Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez, entering the stands and exchanging punches with Colombia fans as security staff attempted to intervene. Núñez was seen throwing multiple punches, and Uruguay defender José María Giménez was also observed throwing at least one punch, according to videos verified by NBC News.
Statements and Reactions
In a post-game interview, Giménez attributed the brawl to a “certain sector of Colombia fans” who he said “did an avalanche” on the families of Uruguayan players. He urged organizers to implement stronger precautions, stating, “because the same thing happens every game.”
“This is a disaster. Our families were in danger,” Giménez emphasized.
Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, told reporters after the game that the Uruguayan players were trying to protect their families. “Uruguay’s players had an instinctive reaction, which is natural, which is going to defend and protect the children who were on that side of the stands, who were suffering attacks, the women, the parents, the closest family members, the fans,” he said.
In a statement, CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing body, condemned the incident, saying it “strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football.”
