Darwin Nunez among 11 Uruguay players facing disciplinary action for violent clashes with Colombia fans – but they won’t miss final Copa America game
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is one of 11 players facing disciplinary action by CONMEBOL for their role in a brawl with Colombian fans after their Copa America semi-final.
The chaotic scenes saw several Uruguayan players, including Nunez, jump into the stands and a confrontation broke out.
In addition to Nunez, the following players have been named: Jose Maria Gimenez, Sebastian Caceres, Ronald Araujo, Rodrigo Betancur, Facundo Pellistri, Mathias Olivera, Matias Vina, Brain Rodriguez, Emiliano Martinez and Santiago Mele.
But none of these players will miss the third-place match against Canada on Saturday, according to reports.
If an additional penalty is to be imposed, the players will have to miss time during qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
Darwin Nunez (center) is one of 11 Uruguayan players who could face punishment for their role in a brawl with Colombian fans during their Copa America semifinal in Charlotte, N.C.
Ronald Araujo also entered the stands after Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia in Charlotte
Players have until Wednesday, July 17, to submit their written defense. At that time, CONMEBOL will review all available evidence to determine whether any players should be punished.
An emotional Nunez was kept at bay by security as he and his teammates clashed with fans just minutes after the team’s crushing 1-0 semi-final defeat to Colombia in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Incredible video footage shows the 25-year-old striker alongside teammates Jose Gimenez and Ronald Araujo, as grim situations unfolded after the final whistle.
Gimenez said on TV after the incident where it was reported that the players’ families, who were sitting close to the fans, were swarmed by drunken supporters and that they came to their defense.
“This is a disgrace, there was no police officer to control them. We had to defend our own people just because they couldn’t control their drinking,” he said.
Nunez began the fight after a man in a black polo shirt with a badge around his neck began hitting a Colombian fan after a drink was thrown at the Uruguayan players.
The Liverpool striker was seen comforting his son on the field after the match.
Several supporters were also heard shouting while unpleasant scenes took place nearby, while another clip showed how children were handed over to Uruguayan staff on the field.