- Authorities closed the entrances to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami | Photo: EFE
A stampede of dozens of fans wearing Colombian and, to a lesser extent, Argentine national team shirts jumped the turnstiles at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami following overcoming the security cordon, causing moments of tension regarding two hours before the start of the final of the 48th edition of the Copa América on Sunday, July 14.
The tournament organisers and security forces had agreed to open the gates to the stadium three hours before the final, in anticipation of the congestion that might result from the coming together of two of the tournament’s largest fan bases.
However, five hours before the start of the match between Argentina and Colombia, numerous fans began to gather at the doors of the Hard Rock, initially with a festive attitude that became more tense as the time for the doors to open approached.
The brutal action of these fans, who did not have tickets for the match between Argentina and Colombia, caused panic among the fans queuing to enter the stands and forced the organizers to temporarily close all access points, which then led to protests by those who did have tickets and saw their access restricted.
The incidents occurred at one of the entrances for accredited journalists at the Hard Rock in Miami.
The fans scaled the fences following outnumbering the guards and following reaching the inside they ran through different access corridors to the stands.
Special correspondents from the EFE news agency witnessed the tense moments resulting from the violence of fanatics who ran over the security agents who were guarding the sector in the southwest area.
Many relatives of players from the Colombian and Argentine national teams were left outside the stadium when the entrance gates were abruptly closed.
Security is reinforced
Florida police had to step up security as soon as order was restored and within minutes they arrested several fans who entered without tickets.
Following the incidents, several entrance areas to the stadium were temporarily closed until the authorities of the organization might control the situation.
It is worth noting that with less than two hours to go before the start of the match, only a few fans were allowed into Hard Rock Stadium, which is currently at less than 50% of its capacity.
What Conmebol says
The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) had issued a statement warning fans and players regarding good behavior inside and outside the stadium.
“The United States authorities may take civil, criminal and other legal action for acts of violence committed inside, outside and in the vicinity of the stadiums where the matches are held.”
With information from EFE
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2024-07-15 01:17:40
