Chaos Grips Major Soccer Tourney As Fans And Players Brawl In North Carolina
Violence marred a highly anticipated soccer showdown on Wednesday as fans and players alike brawled at the end of the Copa America semifinals match between Colombia and Uruguay in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Colombia won, 1-0.
CBS News said players from both teams were restrained on the field following the final whistle.
But the chaos spilled over into the stands, where Uruguay players got into it with fans of the Colombian team.
Footage showed drinks and fists being thrown:
The two different views of the fight that broke out between Uruguay players and Colombia fans ⬇️
(🎥: @the_bonnfire) pic.twitter.com/2pxeI2bi8B— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2024
USA Today said Uruguay striker Darwin Núñez was apparently punched in the face by a fan while being restrained. Then, after breaking free, he hit one of the fans.
Uruguay’s José María Giménez said his teammates’ family members were harassed by Colombia fans, and he called for better security, according to Yahoo Sports.
Uruguay players have entered the stands and a fight has broken out between fans and players pic.twitter.com/XRbte2ibiy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2024
Colombia will face Argentina on Sunday in Miami in the finals. Uruguay will battle Canada for third place on Saturday in Charlotte.
It got crazy in the semis!! Right in my section! Hope everybody is ok pic.twitter.com/oyDQM0d9Ik
— Lloyd sam (@MrLloydSam) July 11, 2024