Charlotte, North Carolina – Uruguayan players found themselves in a heated confrontation with Colombian fans following the Copa America semifinal on Wednesday night at the Bank of America Stadium.
The altercation erupted as supporters clashed in the stands, prompting players to enter the area where their families, including children, were seated. Among those caught up in the incident were Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, and Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez.
Video footage depicted Colombian fans engaging in clashes with Uruguayan supporters and players, with objects, including drink cans, being thrown. Security personnel intervened to diffuse the situation before the players returned to the field, accompanied by some family members.
Players like Nunez appeared visibly shaken by the incident and were seen receiving comfort from teammates like Luis Suarez and Luis Diaz on the pitch. Gimenez, who captained the Uruguayan team during the game, expressed concerns for the safety of their families, stating, “Colombian fans in a certain section descended on all our families.”
Instances of disorder between rival supporters were reported during the game but seemed to be largely contained. However, Gimenez criticized the delay in police intervention, emphasizing the need for better protection for players and their families in such situations.
The match ended in a 1-0 loss for Uruguay, who will now compete in the tournament’s third-place playoff match against Canada on Saturday. Colombia, on the other hand, will face Argentina in the final in Miami on Sunday.
Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet described the incident as an “ugly moment,” urging for improved safety measures around players’ families in stadiums. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) stated that they would review the incident footage before deciding on any further actions.
CONMEBOL, the tournament organizers, condemned any act of violence affecting football, emphasizing the importance of unity and respect both on and off the field. AUF president Ignacio Alonso defended the players’ actions as a natural response to protect their loved ones in the face of danger.
The events in Charlotte serve as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security measures and vigilance to ensure the safety of players, families, and fans in the world of professional football.