Following the semi-final match between Colombia and Uruguay at the Conmebol Copa America United States 2024, an act of violence and intolerance occurred in the stands of the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
After the final whistle, Uruguayan players, including Darwin Núñez and Mathias Olivera, went into the stands in the western sector of the stadium and fought with Colombian fans.
Various videos circulating on social media capture the brawl between Colombians and Uruguayans. One video even shows ‘charrúa’ attacker Darwin Nunez receiving a punch to the face.
The images on social networks also show Núñez trying to throw a chair towards the stands where the Colombians were. Other videos only show the aggression of the Colombian fans towards the Uruguayans.
The Uruguayan press reported that the fight was sparked by the Colombians attacking the families of the Uruguayan players, which incited the Celeste players’ anger.
However, a video emerged showing a different angle of the fight, revealing the exchange of fists that occurred.
The new angle showed a Colombian fan being attacked in the face by a Uruguayan supporter wearing a grey cap and black shirt.
The new footage of the brawl also reveals that Mathias Olivera, Uruguayan defender, threw several punches at the Colombians who were trying to stop the situation.
It was at that moment that Núñez, the striker for Liverpool of England, seeing the situation, entered the fight.
The video also shows people affected by the blows trying to retreat from the area where glasses were being thrown from both sides.
Which players were involved in the fight?
As shown in the images, in addition to Darwin Núñez and Mathias Olivera, José María Giménez and Ronald Araújo were also present.
According to Giménez, “They made an avalanche towards our families, the fans from a certain sector of Colombia, and they wouldn’t let us speak into the microphone.”
“This is a disaster, our family is in danger. We had to go into the stands to get our loved ones who had tiny newborn babies. There wasn’t a single police officer who intervened within half an hour, and we were there protecting our own people,” he added.
Conmebol’s statement on the fight
The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) “strongly condemned” in a statement “acts of violence in football,” although it avoided directly addressing the fight between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans following the Copa América semi-final between the two teams.
“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the pitch,” stated Conmebol in a statement.
How did the match end?
The game ended with a narrow victory for the Colombian national team, eliminating Uruguay from the Copa América.
Uruguay and Colombia Players Clash in Violent Post-Match Confrontation
The semi-final match between Colombia and Uruguay at the Conmebol Copa America United States 2024 ended with a shocking display of violence and intolerance in the stands of the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Uruguayan Players Confront Colombian Fans
Following the final whistle, Uruguayan players, including Darwin Nunez and Mathias Olivera, climbed onto the stands in the western sector of the stadium, engaging in a brawl with Colombian fans. Videos circulating on social media capture the chaotic scenes, showing the heated exchange between the two groups. One video even showcases Darwin Nunez receiving a punch to the face.
Other clips depict Nunez attempting to throw a chair towards the stands where Colombian fans were located, further fueling the escalating situation. While some videos focus on the aggression of Colombian fans, others highlight the actions of the Uruguayan players.
The Uruguayan press claims that the fight was initiated by Colombian fans attacking the relatives of the Uruguayan players, provoking the players’ actions.
New Footage Reveals Different Perspective
A video emerged showcasing a previously unseen angle of the brawl, providing a different perspective on the events. The video reveals a Colombian fan being attacked in the face by a Uruguayan supporter wearing a grey cap and black shirt.
Furthermore, the footage shows Mathias Olivera, the Uruguayan defender, delivering several blows to Colombian fans who were attempting to de-escalate the situation.
Upon witnessing the escalating conflict, Darwin Nunez, the Liverpool striker, joined the fray. The video also captures individuals attempting to retreat from the violence as glasses are thrown from both sides.
Players Involved: Beyond Nunez and Olivera
Besides Darwin Nunez and Mathias Olivera, other Uruguayan players were also involved in the confrontation. These include Jose Maria Gimenez and Ronald Araújo.
According to Gimenez, “They made an avalanche to all our families, the fans of a certain sector of Colombia and they don’t let us speak into the microphone.” He further elaborated, “This is a disaster, our family is in danger. We had to go into the stands to take out our loved ones with tiny newborn babies. There was not a single police officer who was arrested within half an hour and we were there defending our own people.”
Conmebol’s Condemnation
The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) strongly condemned the acts of violence in football in a statement, although it refrained from directly addressing the fight between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans following the Copa América semi-final.
Conmebol’s statement emphasized, “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the pitch.”
Match Outcome
The Copa América semi-final concluded with a narrow victory for the Colombian national team, eliminating Uruguay from the competition.