Darwin Nunez clashes with fans after Uruguay defeat
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was involved in a post-match altercation with spectators following Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia in the Copa America semifinal on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Núñez, visibly frustrated after the match, was seen physically confronting Colombia fans in the stands.
According to Uruguayan outlet El País, the disorder erupted near the section where friends and family of the Uruguay team were seated. TV cameras and fans captured Núñez climbing railings and entering the crowded stands, where he confronted Colombia fans as others attempted to restrain him.
The altercation reportedly involved other Uruguay players as well. Uruguay captain José María Giménez described the chaotic scene, stating that the players were trying to defend their families.
“There was no police and we had to defend our families. This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don’t know how to drink,” Giménez told Reuters.
🚨 WOW! Crazy scenes last night as Darwin Nunez is seen jumping into the stands to protect his family from Colombian fans! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/evVYu9rfNC
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) July 11, 2024
Following the incident, Núñez was seen on the pitch hugging his son, providing a stark contrast to the earlier chaotic scenes.
Darwin Núñez consoling his son after the altercation that took place at full time v Colombia.
Supposedly drunk Colombia fans ‘avalanched’ the families of the Uruguayan players which is when Darwin & other players went up to the stands to fight them. pic.twitter.com/0zsK7xy1PH
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) July 11, 2024
South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, has “strongly condemned” the incident and announced an investigation. “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field,” the organization stated.
The brawl unfolded after Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Colombia, which denied them a spot in Monday’s Copa America final against Argentina. The defeat was compounded by earlier clashes between players and coaching staff on the pitch immediately after the match ended.
Darwin Nunez, who started the game for Uruguay but failed to convert any of his four attempts on goal, has yet to comment publicly on the incident.
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Frank Appiah is a sports writer with MG Sports, the general sports department of Media General Ghana, serving TV3, 3News, Onua TV and other platforms in the group.
