Copa America organisers and US Soccer officials have been slammed by Marcelo Bielsa, as the Uruguay coach was still furious about the lack of security for his players and staff
Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa didn’t hold back in his press conference ahead of the third-place match against Canada at Copa America.
The former Leeds United boss slammed US Soccer, and the entire CONMEBOL federation for their lack of organisation after Uruguay players and staff were attacked following the 1-0 semi-final defeat to Colombia. The incident saw Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez takes punches from rival fans, as he and fellow Uruguay players entered the stands to defend family members who saw their section stormed by supporters.
“One has to speak thinking about all the threats that one receives if one speaks,” Bielsa said. “The only thing I can say is that the players reacted as any human being would have done. If they are attacking his wife, his mother, a baby, his wife, his sister… What do you do?
“Do you ask if they are going to sanction those who went to defend? There is a degree of complicity, because the questions also act in a complicit manner. You (the journalists) have to say this, not what I have to say.”
READ MORE: Darwin Nunez in huge brawl in stands as Liverpool star hits fans at Copa America
READ MORE: Darwin Nunez consoles son in emotional clip as teammate explains brawl in stands
He added: “When you see that there is a violent act, of course who is going to be in favour of a violent reaction, but the first thing you have to see is what the reaction is in response to, and if there would have been the possibility of doing it differently.”
Bielsa then blew up again, as reporters continued to dismiss the incident and focus on other areas. “There is a portion of journalism that is bought. As I am not stupid, I said that I do not know in what proportion, but I do know that there is a percentage that does not say what it should say,” he added.
“I am innocent there because I am not accusing everyone, I am accusing those who remain silent.” The incident is still being investigated, with bans being speculated despite the Uruguay players doing their best to defend friends and family.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US .
It was a fierce encounter between Colombia and Uruguay, as eight cards were shown including a red to Colombia and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz. His club and international team-mate, Jefferson Lerma, scored the only goal in the game to send Colombia to the final of Copa America, where they face Argentina on Sunday.
Players began clashing at full-time, but Nunez was then seen sprinting over to the crowd before being followed by defender Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez. Nunez was punched by a fan as he entered the stands, and a brawl erupted.
It was later claimed that Colombia fans had stormed the section behind the team benches, where friends and family of the Uruguay team were sat. Nunez was later seen comforting his young son on the field, as security finally stepped in and handled the situation.
Gimenez was furious after the game, questioning why there wasn’t more of a police presence to protect players, staff, and fans. Uruguay’s frustrations were echoed by Bielsa, who used the press conference to highlight the flaws at Copa America and defend his national team.