CONMEBOL opens investigation into Copa America clash involving Uruguay players and Colombia fans

CHARLOTTE, NC - JULY 10: Uruguay forward Darwin Núñez (19) engages with hostile fans in the stands after the CONMEBOL Copa America semifinal between Uruguay and Colombia on Wednesday July 10, 2024 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.  (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
By Nnamdi Onyeagwara
Jul 11, 2024

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) have opened an investigation into the altercation involving Uruguay players and Colombia fans following the Copa America semifinal on Wednesday.

A number of Uruguayan players, including Darwin Nunez, clashed with Colombian fans after the game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Altercations broke out between supporters in the stands with players entering the area where their families — including children — were situated in the stadium.

A statement from CONMEBOL 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 the national teams of Uruguay and Colombia.

“On the eve of the final of Copa América, 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 behavior that harms the sporting competition and the most beautiful spectacle in the world, which belongs to the entire football family, will be tolerated.”

Despite beind reduced to ten men after Daniel Munoz was sent off in the 46th minute, Colombia beat Uruguay 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jefferson Lerma.

They will face Argentina in the final at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

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How Uruguay vs Colombia descended into chaos - and the questions raised by the ugly scenes

(Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Nnamdi Onyeagwara

Nnamdi Onyeagwara joined us in November 2022, initially helping us cover the World Cup before becoming a Junior News Editor in January 2023. Born in North London, Nnamdi attended Nottingham Trent University and previously worked at The Voice and the Barnet Post. Follow Nnamdi on Twitter @nnamdionye