Uruguay’s time in the 2024 Copa America ended in ugly fashion, and not just because they lost to an undermanned Colombian team in the semi-finals.
The Uruguay-Colombia match in Charlotte descended into chaos when a group of La Celeste players invaded the stands at Bank of America Stadium and started a brawl with a group of Colombian fans, with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez leading the attack and being seen exchanging blows during the melee.
Other angles:
After the loss to Colombia, Uruguay players stormed the stands at the Bank of America Stadium and started fighting, led by Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez. pic.twitter.com/VE3unKObSa
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 11, 2024
Uruguay’s player Jose Maria Jimenez appeared on television after the incident, claiming that families of Uruguay players had been harassed by groups of Colombian fans before the brawl, and called on tournament organizers to make security changes.
Tournament organizers CONMEBOL issued a statement hours later condemning the violence but said little else.
The violence came after a frustrating defeat for Uruguay, who were clamoring to face Argentina in the final for their first Copa America title since 2011. Uruguay will face Canada in the third-place playoff on Saturday but will almost certainly be without several players when punishment for the brawl is handed down.
Uruguay were expected to beat Los Cafeteros in the semi-finals, but gave up the lead in the 40th minute when Jefferson Lerma headed in a beautiful corner kick from James Rodriguez. Hopes of a comeback rose early in the second half when Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz hit Manuel Ugarte for a second yellow card, putting his team at 10-11.
Uruguay kept up the pressure and had several chances to score but just couldn’t put the ball in the net before time expired. It was a frustrating experience and a result that could hurt the team long after the tournament.
