Uruguay Players Clash with Fans After Copa America Loss

Uruguay's Copa America campaign ended in controversy and violence as players clashed with fans following a 1-0 semifinal loss to Colombia. The incident occurred after a physical and emotional match that saw seven yellow cards and one red card.

As players exchanged words and shoves at midfield, Uruguay's Darwin Núñez noticed an altercation behind the team's bench. About a dozen players climbed into the stands as the melee continued. Some players were seen throwing punches before Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officers and stadium security restored order after about 10 minutes.

Uruguay striker Luis Suárez defended his teammates' actions, saying they were necessary to protect their families and supporters. "Obviously when one has your woman, your little child, your father, elderly people you want to go and see if they're OK," Suárez said. "Here these things, it's an image that no one wants to have created but obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them."

However, Suárez acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable. "But that doesn't justify the image that it created. We had to protect our families that were there."

CONMEBOL, South American soccer's governing body, opened an investigation into the incident. "It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence," the statement said.

Suárez said he saw family members and children in the crowd and worried about their safety. More than 70,000 fans attended the game, and at least 90% cheered for Colombia and wore their bright yellow colors.

"They were trapped and things were falling on them and you felt helpless," Suárez said.

Uruguay's José María Giménez called the situation a "disaster." "Our family is in danger," Giménez told Fox. "We had to get on top of the stands ASAP to rescue our loved ones with babies. ... It's a disaster because all of the matches are the same. Our families are in danger because of some who drink one or two shots of alcohol that don't know to drink and behave like children."

Stadium seating choices for families and friends of players were arranged by Uruguayan soccer's governing body. More protected luxury suites were an option. The Uruguayan soccer association has not made a public statement on the fight.

CONMEBOL has not said if any Uruguay players face suspension for entering the stands or throwing punches at Colombia fans. The governing body released a statement after the game saying it condemns any act of violence and that "we invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party."

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has not said whether arrests were made, and stadium officials have not commented publicly.

Tags: #CopaAmerica, #Uruguay, #Colombia, #Violence, #LuisSuarez