After a physical and emotional game that included seven yellow cards and one red card, players exchanged words and shoves at midfield at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday night.
Uruguayan players, including Darwin Núñez, witnessed a brawl behind the team’s bench and about a dozen or more players then climbed into the stands As the scuffle continued.
Some players were seen throwing punches at Charlotte Mecklenburg police officers and stadium security restored order after about 10 minutes.
“Obviously when somebody has your lady, your little kid, your dad, elderly people you want to go and see if they’re OK,” Suarez said. “Here’s these things, it’s an image that no one wants to create, but obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them. But that doesn’t justify the image it has created. “We had to protect our families there.”
South American soccer’s governing body CONMEBOL said Thursday its disciplinary committee had opened an investigation.
“It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence,” the statement said.
Suarez said he could see family members and children in the crowd and he was worried about their safety. Over 70,000 fans attended the game, and at least 90% cheered for Colombia and wore their bright yellow colors.
“(They) were trapped and things were falling on them and you felt helpless,” Suarez said.
Jose Maria Jimenez of Uruguay Called the situation a “disaster”.
“Our family is in danger,” Jimenez told Fox. “We had to climb to the top of the stands as quickly as possible to save our loved ones and children. …It’s a disaster because all the matches are the same. Our families are in danger because of people who drink one or two shots, who do not know how to drink alcohol and behave like children.”
Stadium seating for the players’ families and friends was arranged by the governing body of Uruguayan football. More protected luxury suites were an option. The Uruguayan Football Association has not made any public statement on the fight.
“There was some argument in midfield and when I saw it happening, I went to the locker room. I thought they were thanking the fans for their support,” Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said after the game. “But then I found out that unfortunately there were some problems.”
CONMEBOL has not said whether any Uruguayan players will face suspension. to enter or punch the stands On Colombia fans.
The governing body issued a statement after the game saying it condemned any acts of violence and “invite us all to pour all our passion into the remaining days to cheer on our national teams and have an unforgettable party.” We do.”
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has not said whether arrests were made, and stadium officials have not commented publicly.
There was more security and police deployed for a Copa America event than a typical home game for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers or concerts. The tournament’s third-place game between Uruguay and Canada is scheduled for Saturday at the stadium.
Suárez said he did not like being taunted by Colombian player Miguel Borja after the emotional defeat.
Suárez said, “The teasing, the words, what you have is fine, but what really bothers me is that Borja celebrated like a fool.” “There is no reason to do this. When we have excluded someone, we have not done so. We didn’t celebrate in front of the Brazilian players, on the contrary we went and paid our respects to them. We all know what happens on the field, how we suffer and suffer losses and so do all our colleagues in this profession. It’s some ugly, but God is watching and it will come back to them.”
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AP Copa America coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/copa-america
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