Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was involved in an altercation with spectators following Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia in the Copa America semifinal on Wednesday evening.
The incident took place at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Visibly frustrated after the match, Núñez 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.
CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, has “strongly condemned” the incident and announced an investigation. The organization stated, “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field.”
After Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Colombia, which dashed their chances of reaching the Copa America final against Argentina, a brawl ensued. The defeat was further marred by on-field clashes between players and coaching staff immediately after the match.
Darwin Nunez, who started the game for Uruguay and had four attempts on goal without scoring, has not yet made any public comments regarding the incident.
