Altercation Between Uruguay Players, Colombia Fans Investigated by CONMEBOL
Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacek
Featured Columnist IVJuly 12, 2024
The altercation involving Uruguay players and Colombia fans that overshadowed Wednesday's Copa América semifinal game between the two nations is officially under investigation.
As Nnamdi Onyeagwara of The Athletic reported Thursday, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) released a statement confirming it is investigating the altercation that saw multiple Uruguayan players, including Darwin Núñez, clash with fans in the aftermath of the 1-0 Colombia win at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Onyeagwara relayed the statement:
"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.
"On the eve of the final of Copa América, 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 behavior that harms the sporting competition and the most beautiful spectacle in the world, which belongs to the entire football family, will be tolerated."
The altercation in the stands occurred after another one between the two teams following the final whistle:
Yet the postgame incident escalated to a much more significant degree with players worried about the safety of their families.
"It's a total disaster. There wasn't a single police officer," Uruguay player José María Giménez said in the aftermath while explaining the concern for their families. "They showed up half an hour later. A disaster. And we were there, standing up for ourselves, for our loved ones."
B/R Football @brfootballUruguay captain José María Giménez said his and his teammates' families were in danger during the altercation with Colombia fans.<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FOXSoccer</a>)<a href="https://t.co/WOCGFkkgNz">pic.twitter.com/WOCGFkkgNz</a>
As for the game itself, Colombia still managed a 1-0 victory even though they were forced to finish the contest with 10 men on the field because Daniel Muñoz was given a red card late in the first half for throwing an elbow.
Yet the Colombia defense prevented Uruguay from capitalizing on the situation, and Jefferson Lerma's goal was enough to propel his side into the final.
Colombia will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the championship game on Sunday.
