Uruguay’s football players clashed with Colombia fans following their Copa America semifinal defeat, and security personnel had to step in to restore order.
After Colombia sealed a 1-0 victory in Charlotte, North Carolina in the US on Wednesday, videos on social media showed what appeared to be Uruguay players climbing into the stands and exchanging blows with opposition fans.
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo were among the players at the forefront of the melee. Captain Jose Maria Gimenez said the players were trying to defend their families.
Uruguay captain Jose Maria Gimenez said his players were trying to defend their families from violent fans.
Players and staff from both Colombia and Uruguay were also involved in a confrontation on the field after the final whistle.
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBO) said it is investigating the incident and that it strongly condemns any acts of violence that affect football.
“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field.” said CONMEBOL, the governing body for regional football.
“I thought that the incident ended with some argument on the midfield and when I saw that happening I went to the locker room,” Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said in a press conference.
Jefferson Lerma’s first-half header gave Colombia a place in Sunday’s final while Uruguay will play Canada in the third-place playoff.
