Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was involved in a brawl after confronting fans following Uruguay’s defeat to Colmobia at the Copa America and tournament organisers have opened an investigation
Copa America bosses have launched an investigation after Darwin Nunez was involved in a brawl with fans after Uruguay were knocked out of the tournament.
Uruguay were beaten 1-0 in their semi-final clash with Colombia thanks to a header from Crystal Palace star Jefferson Lerma and tempers flared between the two teams at the end of the match, with Guillermo Varela shown a red card.
A number of the Uruguay squad then went over to the stands, where tempers flared once again between the players and a section of Colombia fans. A mass brawl erupted and Nunez was punched by a fan before throwing punches at multiple supporters in response.
And tournament organisers have now opened an investigation into the incident, while also condemning the violence. “The Disciplinary committee of CONMEBOL has opened an investigation to understand the sequence of events and the responsibilities of those involved in the acts of violence that occurred at the end of the match between the national teams of Uruguay and Colombia,” they said in a statement.
“On the eve of the final of Copa America, we want to reaffirm and warn that no action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration, which involves both the players and the fans present in the stadium, and which will be watched by hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
“It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence. Therefore, no behaviour that harms the sporting competition and the most beautiful spectacle in the world, which belongs to the entire football family, will be tolerated.”
Uruguay captain Jose Maria Gimenez also jumped into the stands alongside Nunez and Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo and he warned that a “disaster” had almost occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
“I hope that those organising this event take more care of the families, the people, and the surroundings of the stadiums because this is a disaster,” the Atletico Madrid defender said. “The same thing happens in every match.
“Our families are suffering because of those who drink too much alcohol and behave like children with no sense. I hope they take precautions and it doesn’t happen again because this is a disaster.”
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