Darwin Nunez will be able to play in the Copa America third-place playoff this weekend despite being under investigation.
The Liverpool striker fought with fans to help defend his family who were sitting in the stands following Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Nunez could be seen throwing punches after clambering up into the fans as chaos descended close to where the players’ relatives were sat throughout the game.
The incident was expected to see him banned for the third-place playoff against Canada, but is it now confirmed that he will be able to play.
Why is Nunez allowed to play against Canada?
Nunez can play in the Copa America third-place playoff as the investigation into the ordeal has yet to deliver a conclusive verdict.
As a result, the forward is still awaiting his punishment and any potential sanction given to him and his teammates will be applied after the game against Canada.
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Nunez has been in training ahead of the clash and is set to feature.
On Thursday, South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, released a statement confirming that they were looking into the shocking incident.
The statement read: “The Disciplinary committee of CONMEBOL has opened an investigation to understand the sequence of events and the responsibilities of those involved in the acts of violence that occurred at the end of the match between Uruguay and Colombia.
“On the eve of the final of Copa America, we want to reaffirm and warn that no action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration, which involves both the players and the fans present in the stadium, and which will be watched by hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
“It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence. Therefore, no behaviour that harms the sporting competition and the most beautiful spectacle in the world, which belongs to the entire football family, will be tolerated.”
Nunez, Ronald Araujo, Mathias Olivera, Rodrigo Bentancur, Santiago Mele, Sebastian Caceres, Emiliano Martinez, Matias Vina, Brian Rodriguez, Jose Gimenez and Facundo Pellistri are all being investigated.
All of those players could face lengthy bans for their involvement in the violence.
However, a decision will be made on their punishments after the third-place playoff this weekend.
News Summary:
- Why is Darwin Nunez allowed to play against Canada? Uruguay star not suspended for Copa America third-place playoff despite fighting fans
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.