Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was at the centre of a fight with Colombia supporters after Uruguay’s defeat in the Copa America on Wednesday night.
Uruguay are out of the Copa America following a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the semi final with Jefferson Lerma scoring the game’s only goal in the first half.
Shortly after Mexican referee Cesar Ramos blew the full-time whistle, Nunez and Ronald Araujo were among the Uruguay players who rushed over to a section of Colombia supporters inside the Bank of America Stadium. Nunez was seen exchanging punches with Colombia fans before police stepped in to separate the two groups.
South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL, which organizes the Copa, said it is investigating the incident and issued the following statement after the game: “CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football. “Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values.”
Uruguay captain Jose Maria Gimenez said the players were trying to defend their families. “Let me say something before they cut you off because they won’t let us speak into the microphone, they don’t want me to say anything about what’s going on but this is a disaster. Please be careful, our families are in the stands, there are little newborn babies. It was a disaster; there was no police and we had to defend our families.”
There was also a clash between the two teams and coaching staff on the pitch after the final whistle. Luis Suarez was among the players at the centre of the confrontation and appeared to spark a row with Colombia striker Miguel Borja.
