Violence at the Copa América: CONMEBOL Reacts, Uruguay Speaks of Families in Danger

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) condemned "acts of violence in football," although it refrained from directly addressing the clashes between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans at the Copa América.

"There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football," the organization stated in a press release.

The controversy unfolded when Darwin Núñez, Ronald Araújo, and José Giménez, among other Uruguayan players, went into the stands to engage in fistfights with Colombian fans after the 1-0 defeat in the Copa América semi-final, held on Wednesday in Charlotte, United States. Following the incidents, José Giménez claimed that the families of Uruguayan players in the stands were "in danger" due to the actions of some Colombian fans.

Before the altercation with Colombian fans and after the match that resulted in Uruguay's elimination from the Copa América, a violent brawl also broke out between players from both teams in the center of the field. "We invite everyone for the remaining days [of the tournament] to dedicate all their passion to supporting their teams and making it an unforgettable celebration," added CONMEBOL.

The president of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), Ignacio Alonso, corroborates José Giménez's version and assures that the players "were simply protecting their families" in the stadium stands. "So far, what we had was an internal discussion, knowing that there was a natural, instinctive reaction from a father, a husband, a brother, a son, upon seeing their family in a difficult moment and noticing that evacuation to the field, as indicated by the protocol, was not allowed," said Ignacio Alonso.

Colombia qualified for the final of the 48th edition of the Copa América on Wednesday by defeating Uruguay 1-0, with a goal from Jefferson Lerma in the 39th minute. The Colombians played the entire second half with 10 men due to Daniel Muñoz's expulsion for accumulating yellow cards at 45+1 minutes.

In the final, scheduled for Sunday at 8:00 PM local time (1:00 AM Monday in mainland Portugal), in Miami, Florida, the Cafeteros, who won the tournament in 2001, will face Argentina. Argentina has won the Copa América 15 times and is the current title holder.

CONMEBOL's condemnation of violence underscores the organization's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. Despite the dramatic turn of events, the tournament continues to capture the passion and dedication of football fans, with a highly anticipated final that promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Copa América.