After the final whistle blew, chaos ensued, as Uruguay players entered the stands and clashed with Colombia supporters
Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0 Wednesday night in the Copa America semifinals courtesy of a Jefferson Lerma header off a James Rodriguez cross.
Following the conclusion of the match, a scuffle broke out in the stands where Uruguay and Colombia fans were seated. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is seen to be at the center of it.
Nunez and teammates climbed a staircase into the crowd, the Associated Press reported. It took more than 10 minutes for police to restore order. The public address announcer asked for fans to leave the stadium, but several supporters remained.
About 100 Uruguayan fans and members of the federation staff remained on the field more than 20 minutes after the final whistle, while Colombia fans made their way out to celebrate their victory.
South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL, which organizes Copa America, said it is investigating the incident.
“I thought that the incident ended with some argument on the midfield and when I saw that happening I went to the locker room,” Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said in a press conference. “I thought that they were thanking the fans for their support. But then I learned that there were some problems over there unfortunately.”
Video replays showed players and fans clashing, with what appears to be a altercation between multiple people. In addition, objects were thrown back and forth, including beverages, food and what the FOX commentary team described as “punches.”
Uruguay will take on Canada Saturday night in the third-place match of the tournament, while Colombia advance to Sunday’s final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
It remains to be seen how the postgame scuffle is handled by CONMEBOL and each respective team, and whether any disciplinary measures will be leveled.
Watch the video below:
Source: goal.com
