Fans of Colombia battle with followers and gamers of Uruguay throughout the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 semifinal match between Uruguay and Colombia at Bank of America Stadium on July 10, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images by way of AFP
Uruguay striker Luis Suárez defended his teammates’ choice to enter the stands following a 1-0 loss to Colombia within the Copa America semifinals, saying the motion was essential to defend households and supporters.
After a bodily and emotional sport that included seven yellow playing cards and one purple card, gamers exchanged phrases and shoves at midfield of Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday night time.
Uruguay gamers, together with Darwin Núñez, observed an altercation behind the workforce’s bench and a couple of dozen or so gamers then climbed into the stands because the melee continued.
Some gamers have been seen throwing punches earlier than Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officers and stadium safety restored order after about 10 minutes.
“Obviously when one has your woman, your little child, your father, elderly people you want to go and see if they’re OK,” Suárez stated.
“Here these things, it’s an image that no one wants to have created but obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them. But that doesn’t justify the image that it created. We had to protect our families that were there.”
CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing physique, stated Thursday its disciplinary committee opened an investigation.
“It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence,” the assertion stated.
Suárez stated he may see members of the family and kids within the crowd and he apprehensive about their security. More than 70,000 followers attended the sport, and at the least 90% cheered for Colombia and wore their vivid yellow colours.
“(They) were trapped and things were falling on them and you felt helpless,” Suárez stated.
Uruguay’s José María Giménez referred to as the scenario a “disaster“. “Our family is in danger,” Giménez informed Fox.
“We had to get on top of the stands ASAP to rescue our loved ones with babies. … It’s a disaster because all of the matches are the same. Our families are in danger because of some who drink one or two shots of alcohol that don’t know to drink and behave like children.”
Stadium seating selections for households and associates of gamers have been organized by Uruguayan soccer’s governing physique. More protected luxurious suites have been an possibility. The Uruguayan soccer affiliation has not made a public assertion on the battle.
“There was some argument in the midfield, and when I saw that happening, I went to the locker room. I thought they were thanking the fans for their support,” Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said after the game.
“But then I discovered there have been some issues over there, sadly.”
CONMEBOL has not stated if any Uruguay gamers face suspension for getting into the stands or throwing punches at Colombia followers.
The governing physique launched a press release after the sport saying it condemns any act of violence and that “we invite everybody within the remaining days to pour all of their ardour into cheering on their nationwide groups and having an unforgettable occasion.”
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has not stated whether or not arrests have been made, and stadium officers haven’t commented publicly.
Source: www.thehindu.com
