Liverpool ‘will hold urgent talks’ with Darwin Nunez after Uruguay star threw punches at Colombia fans as he tried to protect his family in Copa America brawl

Liverpool FC executives plan to hold immediate talks with Darwin Nunez and the Uruguayan Football Federation (UFF) after the Reds’ 25-year-old forward stormed into a Copa America crowd in Charlotte on Wednesday, ESPN reports.

The Premier League club hopes to gain a better understanding of the events that led to the shocking confrontation during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Copa America semi-finals. Liverpool also plans to speak to the UFF before making a decision on the matter, ESPN reports. The team also wants to check on Nunez’s welfare, as well as that of his family.

Uruguayan newspaper El Pais reported that Nunez jumped into the stands to confront Colombian fans who he believed posed a threat to his family and the families of his teammates. At one point, Nunez tried to throw a chair into the crowd but was stopped by a security guard.

Nunez and teammates Jose Gimenez and Ronald Araujo fought with Colombian fans, while Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Betancur threw two bottles into the crowd, one of which hit a Uruguayan staff member.

There are some concerns that Nunez could face a lengthy ban from South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL. Additionally, FIFA has the ability to issue a global ban, which would impact Nunez’s 2024-25 season with Liverpool.

Nunez and about a dozen Uruguay teammates took to the stands as fans brawled at Bank of America Stadium after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Copa America semi-final on Wednesday night.

After a physical and exciting match, a brawl broke out behind the Uruguayan bench after the final whistle from Mexican referee César Ramos.

Of the 70,644 spectators in Colombia, about 90% were in favour, but a small number of Uruguayan fans fought with Colombian supporters when drinks were thrown.

Núñez and teammates then climbed a flight of stairs into the crowd. Video showed Núñez punching a fan wearing Colombian team colors.

Gimenez said the players went into the crowd to protect their families.

“This is a disaster. Our family is in danger. We had to go to the stands to take out our loved ones with little babies and newborns,” he told TUDN. “Everything was a disaster. There was no police officer.”

It took more than 10 minutes for the police to arrive and restore order. The announcer asked the fans to leave the stadium, but several supporters remained behind.

About 100 Uruguayan fans and members of the federation’s staff remained on the field for more than 20 minutes after the match for their own safety, while Colombian fans entered the field to celebrate.

CONMEBOL issued a statement after the match saying it strongly condemns any form of violence affecting the match.

“Our work is based on the belief that football unites and connects us through its positive values,” the organization said. “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the pitch. We invite everyone to put all their passion into supporting their national teams for the remaining days and celebrate an unforgettable party.”

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said he did not immediately see what happened.

“There was some fighting in midfield and when I saw that happening I went to the dressing room. I thought they were thanking the fans for their support,” Beilsa said. “But then I heard that unfortunately there were some problems.”