Colombia reaches the final of the Copa America against Argentina. They win the semi-final despite being outnumbered. After the final whistle, a wild brawl breaks out between players and fans.
A violent brawl between players and fans overshadowed the semi-final of the Copa América between Colombia and Uruguay. After the final whistle of the match, which the Colombians, including former Bayern professional James Rodríguez, had won 1-0, Uruguayan players stormed into the stands at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, towards the Colombian fans.
A video shows 25-year-old Liverpool FC striker Darwin Núñez punching a man in a yellow shirt. Other players were also involved in the scuffle with spectators on Wednesday evening (local time).
“We had to protect our loved ones”
Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez said in a TV interview that the players rushed to the stands because they were afraid for their relatives. Colombian fans had attacked them and thrown objects at them. “This is a disaster!” complained the Atlético Madrid professional. “Our families are in danger. We had to fight our way through to protect our loved ones, including newborns.”
As can be seen on videos, individual police officers tried to separate the Uruguay players and the Colombia fans. When the footballers were back on the pitch, Núñez wanted to throw a folding chair at the fans. They continued to insult him and also threw objects such as beer mugs at him. The South American football association Conmebol condemned the riots.
Despite being outnumbered for the entire second half, Colombia managed to pull off the coup thanks to Jefferson Lerma’s winning goal in the 39th minute; he headed in a corner from Rodríguez. It was Rodríguez’s sixth assist in the tournament, surpassing Messi’s previous record. Shortly afterwards, Colombian Daniel Muñoz was sent off with a second yellow card. The second half was marked by fouls and interruptions. Uruguay could not overcome the deep-defending Colombians; a shot that hit the post by veteran Luis Suárez, who had only been substituted on in the 66th minute, was one of many chances.
“We made history that night,” said a visibly moved Rodríguez after the final whistle. Colombia will face record winners Argentina in the final on Monday night in Miami and has the chance to win its second Copa title. The day before, Uruguay will play Canada for third place.
Source: Stern
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