Darwin Nunez has been defended for his part in an explosive altercation with Colombia fans following Uruguay’s Copa America defeat.
Uruguay were beaten 1-0 by Colombia in the semi-final on Wednesday night with Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma scoring the winner shortly before half time.
However, chaos broke out in the stands after the final whistle in a section of the stadium close to where the players’ families were located.
Drinks were launched into the crowd and punches were thrown in the melee which saw players intervene to confront fans.
Uruguay players were heard shouting ‘with family no’ as tension rose in the stands.
Stars including Liverpool striker Nunez, Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur and Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo were at the centre of the exchange.
Television cameras showed Nunez hitting a Colombia fan who had slapped him first but his actions have since been defended by teammate Jose Maria Gimenez.
The centre-back, who was also involved in the brawl, explained that Uruguay players were simply defending their families in the face of provocation.
“Please, be careful, because our families are in the stands,” said the Atletico Madrid star in a post-match interview.
“They rained things down on our families, a certain section of the Colombia fans. And they don’t let you speak, so I’m going to say it now. This is a disaster. Our families were in danger.
“We had to go into the stands to get our loved ones out, there were small children, a newborn baby. It was all a disaster. There was not a single police officer, for half an hour not one arrived. It was all a disaster and we were there standing up for our loved ones.”
“I hope that those who are organising this are a little more careful, with the families, with the people and with the surroundings of the stadiums, because this is a disaster, because the same thing happens every game.
“Our families are suffering because of those who take a few sips of alcohol, they don’t know how to drink, and then behave like children who have no sense of respect. I hope they are careful and it doesn’t happen again, because this is a disaster.”
It remains to be seen what sanctions tournament organiser CONMEBOL will inflict on Uruguay but Nunez is at risk of a lengthy ban for his actions.
“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football. Our work is based on the conviction that football connects us and unites us, through its positive values,” it said in a statement after the match.
“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their teams and having an unforgettable party.”
Colombia face holders and 15-time winners of the competition Argentina in Sunday’s final in Miami.
News Summary:
- ‘This is a disaster’ – Darwin Nunez defended by Uruguay teammate for protecting family in Copa America brawl
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