soccer - Copa-America Semifinals: Clash between Players and Fans
A fierce brawl between players and fans overshadowed the Copa America semifinal match between Colombia and Uruguay at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. After the referee blew the final whistle, signaling a 1:0 win for Colombia with former Bayern Munich player James Rodriquez, Uruguayan players stormed the stands towards the Colombian fans.
A video shows the 25-year-old striker Darwin Nunez of Liverpool hitting a man in a yellow shirt. Other players were also involved in the melee with the spectators on Wednesday evening (local time).
"We had to protect our loved ones"
Uruguay's defender Jose Maria Gimenez stated in a TV interview that the players had intervened because they were afraid for their families. They had been targeted and pelted with projectiles by Colombian fans. "This is a disaster!", exclaimed the professional from Atletico Madrid. "Our families were in danger. We had to fight to protect our loved ones, including newborn babies."
As seen on videos, some police officers and policewomen attempted to separate the Uruguayan players and the Colombian fans. When the footballers returned to the field, Nunez picked up a chair to throw at the spectators. They continued to insult him and threw beer cans at him. The South American Football Confederation Conmebol condemned the disturbances.
Despite the entire second half being played with a man down for Colombia due to Daniel Munoz's red card, Colombia managed to win thanks to Jefferson Lerma's goal in the 39th minute, which came from a corner kick by Rodriquez. It was Rodriquez's sixth assist of the tournament, surpassing Messi's previous record. Shortly after, Luis Suarez, who had come on as a substitute, was shown a yellow-red card. The second half was marked by fouls and interruptions. Uruguay was unable to overcome Colombia's deep defensive play; a post shot by Suarez in the 66th minute was one of many opportunities.
"We wrote history tonight," said the visibly moved Rodriquez after the final whistle. Colombia faces Argentina in the final on Monday night in Miami and has a chance to win its second Copa title. The day before, Uruguay plays Canada for third place.
- The highly anticipated Copa America semifinal match between Colombia and Uruguay was scheduled to take place in LIVERPOOL (FC)'s sponsor city, Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
- The unfortunate brawl between players and fans during the semifinal match has put a dark shadow over Darwin Nunez's impressive performance for his club team, LIVERPOOL (FC).
- As the match approached its end with Colombia leading 1-0, the Argentine, James Rodriguez, provided a corner kick that led to Colombia's goal, further solidifying their victory against Uruguay.
- The conflict escalated when viewers threw projectiles at Uruguayan players, causing them to feel threatened for their safety, including that of their families, which prompted players to involve themselves in protecting their loved ones.
- The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) expressed its concern and condemnation of the disruptive behaviors witnessed during the semi-finals, while the United States of America's authorities worked to maintain order at Bank of America Stadium.
- After Colombia's victory, James Rodriguez, who had set a new record for assisted goals in the tournament, reflected on the historic triumph and looked forward to meeting Argentina in the finals, which would take place in Miami.
- Although Uruguay was unable to secure a spot in the finals, James Rodriguez's impressive soccer skills solidified his place as one of the standout players in the Copa America 2021 tournament, despite the unfortunate circumstances.
