Uruguay players clashed with spectators after defeat

Colombia defeated Uruguay and advanced to the final in the South American Championship. The semifinal was chaotic with players fighting in the stands afterwards. Our families were in danger, says Uruguayan midfielder José María Giménez after the brawl.

» Updated:

» Published:

Uruguay players clashed with spectators after defeat
Photo: Tim Nwachukwu /Getty Images via AFP/TT

Share this article

Colombia defeated Uruguay and advanced to the final in the South American Championship.

The semifinal was chaotic with players brawling in the stands after the match.

Our families were in danger, says Uruguayan midfielder José María Giménez after the brawl.

A goal in the 39th minute by Jefferson Lerma paved the way for Colombia's victory, which will now face Lionel Messi's Argentina in the final.

But emotions ran high when the final whistle blew and Colombia stood as winners with 1-0.

Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez and about ten Uruguayan teammates climbed up into the stands among fighting supporters.

Video clips show Núñez, amidst the flying punches, swinging at supporters wearing Colombia's colors.

Uruguay's central defender José María Giménez says the players jumped into the brawl out of concern for family members and loved ones who were in the stands.

"Catastrophe"

This is a catastrophe. Our families were in danger. We had to go to the stands to take out our loved ones, with small newborn babies. Our families are affected because some people cannot handle a few drinks, says the Atletico Madrid player afterwards.

I didn't see a single police officer. I hope that those who arrange this are a little more careful and protect our families better so it never happens again.

A few police officers and security guards who tried to keep the supporters and players apart were seen on the stands. The brawl lasted for over ten minutes before the police finally gained control of the situation.

Even on the pitch, it was tumultuous, with players and leaders from both teams arguing in the center circle.

Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa says he didn't understand what happened.

There was some brawl on the pitch. When I saw it, I went to the dressing room. I thought they were thanking the supporters for their support, but then I found out that unfortunately, problems arose there.

Expelled

The South American Football Confederation condemned the incident during the night, Swedish time.

"We work from the idea that football should unite us with its positive values. Violence has no place either on or off the pitch. We hope everyone focuses on cheering on their national team and having an unforgettable party these last few days", they write.

The chaos followed a tumultuous semifinal, with a total of seven yellow cards and one red card handed out during the semifinal. Colombia played with one man less for the entire second half, after Daniel Muñoz received his second yellow card in stoppage time in the first half.

It's the first time in 23 years that Colombia has reached the final in the Copa América.

The final between Colombia and Argentina will be played in Miami on Sunday night, Swedish time.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Luleå Dominates SHL Opener with Record Goal and Eriksson Hat-Trick

Luleå Dominates SHL Opener with Record Goal and Eriksson Hat-Trick

Swedish Talent Lucas Bergvall Shines with Goal and Assist in Premier League

Swedish Talent Lucas Bergvall Shines with Goal and Assist in Premier League

Norén Leads at PGA Championship as Åberg Slips to Sixth

Norén Leads at PGA Championship as Åberg Slips to Sixth

Nicklas Bäckström Reflects on Brynäs Return Despite 4-7 Loss to Växjö

Nicklas Bäckström Reflects on Brynäs Return Despite 4-7 Loss to Växjö

Gudmundsson's Last-Minute Own Goal Costs Leeds Against Fulham

Gudmundsson's Last-Minute Own Goal Costs Leeds Against Fulham

Örebro Ends 314-Day Winless Streak with Victory Over Östersund

Örebro Ends 314-Day Winless Streak with Victory Over Östersund

Djurgården's Quick Goals Secure SHL Comeback Win Over Skellefteå

Djurgården's Quick Goals Secure SHL Comeback Win Over Skellefteå

New Frölunda Coach Robert Ohlsson Wins Debut Against Linköping 2-1

New Frölunda Coach Robert Ohlsson Wins Debut Against Linköping 2-1

Nicklas Bäckström's Disappointing SHL Return: Brynäs Falls to Växjö

Nicklas Bäckström's Disappointing SHL Return: Brynäs Falls to Växjö

Mjällby Extends Lead Over Hammarby in Allsvenskan Title Race

Mjällby Extends Lead Over Hammarby in Allsvenskan Title Race

Cycling Drama at Vuelta as Protesters Disrupt Mountain Stage

Cycling Drama at Vuelta as Protesters Disrupt Mountain Stage

Hammarby's Smilla Holmberg Shines in 3-0 Victory Over Linköping

Hammarby's Smilla Holmberg Shines in 3-0 Victory Over Linköping

Belgium Nears Upset Against Australia in Davis Cup Tennis

Belgium Nears Upset Against Australia in Davis Cup Tennis

Jenny Rissveds Wins First World Championship Gold in Mountain Biking

Jenny Rissveds Wins First World Championship Gold in Mountain Biking

Sweden Triumphs in Davis Cup as Leo Borg Secures Decisive Win

Sweden Triumphs in Davis Cup as Leo Borg Secures Decisive Win

Nicklas Bäckström's SHL Return: A Historic Moment for Brynäs Fans

Nicklas Bäckström's SHL Return: A Historic Moment for Brynäs Fans

Swede Wictor Petersson Misses Top 10 in World Championship Shot Put Final

Swede Wictor Petersson Misses Top 10 in World Championship Shot Put Final

Armand Duplantis Prepares for World Championship Final in Tokyo

Armand Duplantis Prepares for World Championship Final in Tokyo

Gyökeres Shines as Arsenal Defeats Nottingham Forest 3-0

Gyökeres Shines as Arsenal Defeats Nottingham Forest 3-0

Henrik Larsson Reflects on Early Exit at World Championship 100m Trials

Henrik Larsson Reflects on Early Exit at World Championship 100m Trials