Uruguay’s Copa America campaign ended in chaos on Wednesday night as striker Darwin Nunez and defender Ronald Araujo engaged in a physical altercation with Colombia fans following their 1-0 semi-final defeat.
Jefferson Lerma’s first-half goal sealed Uruguay’s fate, but the real drama unfolded after the final whistle.
As the Uruguay players approached a section of Colombia supporters at the Bank of America Stadium, Nunez was seen exchanging punches with fans before police intervened to restore order. Captain Jose Gimenez later explained that the confrontation was sparked by concerns for their families’ safety, who were sitting nearby.
“Please, I ask you to be careful. Families are in the stands. Our families are in danger. This is a disaster,” Gimenez urged in a post-match interview with Directv. The incident marred an otherwise intense match, highlighting the passion and tension that defines the Copa America tournament.
