Copa America organizers CONMEBOL have initiated a disciplinary investigation following the violent incidents at the end of Wednesday’s semi-final match between Uruguay and Colombia in Charlotte.
Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s striker from Uruguay, was among the players who entered the stands at the Bank of America Stadium, engaging in physical altercations with fans. The chaotic scenes have been deemed “unacceptable” by CONMEBOL.
Jose Maria Gimenez, Uruguay’s central defender, explained that the players intervened to ensure the safety of their family members and loved ones who were present in that section of the stadium.
Uruguay is set to play against Canada in the third-place match at the same venue on Saturday. It is uncertain if any of their players will face suspensions due to the investigation.
“In light of the acts of violence that occurred at the end of the match between the national teams of Uruguay and Colombia, the Disciplinary Unit of CONMEBOL has decided to open an investigation to clarify the sequence of events and the responsibilities of those involved,” stated the South American confederation.
CONMEBOL emphasized that such incidents would not be tolerated, particularly with the final between Argentina and Colombia scheduled for Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
“On the eve of our Copa America final, we want to reaffirm and warn that no action that tarnishes a global football celebration will be tolerated, involving both the protagonists and the fans present in the stadium for a final viewed by hundreds of millions of spectators worldwide,” the statement read.
Gimenez criticized the local police’s handling of the situation at the venue, highlighting the lack of security for the players’ families.
“Our family was in danger. We had to go to the stands to take out our loved ones, with tiny newborn babies,” said the Atletico Madrid player. “There was not a single police officer… I hope those who are organizing this are a little more careful with the families.”
In addition to the incidents in the stands, there were also confrontations on the field at the final whistle involving players from both teams.
