Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez (center) scuffles with a fan after the team's Copa America semi-final loss to Colombia on Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Brian Westerholt/EPA-EFE.
July 11 (UPI) — After losing the Copa America semi-final in Charlotte, North Carolina, Uruguayan players took to the stands and exchanged blows with Colombian fans.
The incident happened just after the final whistle of a 1-0 defeat at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, with 12th-placed Colombia moving on to face leaders Argentina in the Copa America final.
“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence affecting football,” tournament organizers said in a statement. “Our actions are based on the belief that football connects and unites us through its positive values.”
“Intolerance and violence will not be tolerated on or off the field and we ask everyone to continue their passion in supporting our team for the rest of their days and throw an unforgettable party.”
There were 24 fouls, six yellow cards and one red card in Wednesday's match. James Rodriguez assisted midfielder Jefferson Lerma for the lone goal in the 39th minute.
After a heated exchange of blows, several staff and players from Uruguay and Colombia (including Uruguay's Luis Suarez) met in midfield and there was a brief skirmish which eventually broke up.
The camera then panned to the stands, showing several Uruguayan players, including striker Darwin Nunez, exchanging blows with fans in the stands. Nunez is about to throw a chair. he shouted at the Colombian supporters before entering the seating area.
Uruguay players and Uruguayan Football Association president Ignacio Alonso later claimed the players were protecting families who were sitting in the area. As the skirmishes continued, several children wearing Uruguay jerseys were seen being handed over from the stands to team staff and players.
Police eventually intervened and the incident was resolved. Video footage showed several punches being thrown, including to Nunez, and several attendees had blood on their faces.
“It's a catastrophe,” Uruguay captain Jose Maria Jimenez told reporters. “Our family was in danger. We had to go to the stands to get our loved ones and our little newborn baby out.”
“There were no police officers there. … I hope that the people who organized this would be a little more considerate of the families. This happens every game because there are people who have had a few drinks and don't know how to cope.”
Colombia will face Argentina in the Copa America final at 8 pm EDT on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The match will be broadcast on FOX.
No. 14 Uruguay will face No. 48 Canada in the Copa America third-place match on Saturday at 8 p.m. in Charlotte. The game will be broadcast on FS1.
