Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was at the centre of a fight with Colombia supporters after Uruguay’s defeat in the Copa America on Wednesday night.
Uruguay are out of the Copa America following a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the semi final with Jefferson Lerma scoring the game’s only goal in the first half.
Shortly after Mexican referee Cesar Ramos blew the full-time whistle, Nunez and Ronald Araujo were among the Uruguay players who rushed over to a section of Colombia supporters inside the Bank of America Stadium.
Nunez was seen exchanging punches with Colombia fans before police stepped in to separate the two groups.
Uruguay captain Jose Gimenez has since claimed that his teammates engaged in the confrontation because their families, who were sitting near the Colombia supporters, were being ‘attacked’ during the game.
‘Please, I ask you to be careful. Families are in the stands. Our families are in danger. This is a disaster,’ Gimenez told Directv.
‘We had to rush into the stands to get our loved ones out, there were people with new-born babies.
‘I hope those who are organising this are careful. Our families are suffering.
‘I hope they are careful and this doesn’t happen again because it is a disaster.
‘I hope they [the broadcaster] don’t cut off what I am saying. There were no police, they arrived late. This is the fault of two or three people who had one drink too many.’
There was also a clash between the two teams and coaching staff on the pitch after the final whistle.
Luis Suarez was among the players at the centre of the confrontation and appeared to spark a row with Colombia striker Miguel Borja.
Colombia will now play Argentina in the final of the Copa America at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday evening.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz was in tears during his post-match interview after Colombia secured their place in the final.
‘It’s time to rest and prepare for what’s coming. I’m very proud of this family,’ he said. ‘I know we’re going to make it with God’s help.’
Meanwhile, Uruguay will play Canada in the third-placed play-off on Saturday.