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.

MLS club wants to sign Neymar from Al Hilal

The Brazilian forward has a contract until June, but Al Hilal is willing to let him leave now. Chicago Fire has reportedly already met with Neymar's representatives.

Man Utd ties one of its few bright spots to the club until 2030

Amad Diallo is now a Manchester United player until mid-2030. The English record champions announced on Thursday evening that the 22-year-old Ivorian will remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

Neuer punished with a two-match suspension in the German Cup

Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich's legendary goalkeeper, received the first red card of his illustrious career during the German Cup round of 16 against Bayer Leverkusen.

France hosts Israel under maximum security for politically charged match

France hosts Israel today in a match that will feature an unprecedented police presence. Highly controversial, the game is marked by pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian movements.

Oosting forced to make changes and surprises with starting lineup against Nice

FC Twente coach Joseph Oosting was forced to make multiple changes to his lineup in the Europa League match against OGC Nice. Due to the absence of key players Mees Hilgers (not fit), Sem Steijn (sick), and Lars Unnerstall, a surprising starting eleven will take the field at 6:45 pm.

Sergio Ramos? Whenever I had players like that, I sent them away

The former Liverpool coach once again criticized the ex-Real Madrid center-back over an incident in which he injured Mohamed Salah during the Champions League final in 2022, which he lost with the Reds.

Erik ten Hag responds to Mourinho: 'He will succeed, and so will we'

The Portuguese coach, now at Fenerbahçe, will face Manchester United again this Thursday in the Europa League.

Good news for Barcelona: Olmo returns to the training field

Dani Olmo has rejoined Barcelona's group training. The midfielder missed the last seven matches due to a muscle injury he sustained on September 16 in the match against Girona.

Van de Ven is keen on forming a central duo with Van Dijk: 'Fantastic defender'

Micky van de Ven is open to playing alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defense for the Dutch national team. Due to several injuries, opportunities are opening up for the 23-year-old speedster. 'But it’s up to the coach,' he said.

Another one: Bremer, from Juventus, with a ligament injury in his left knee

Juventus faces a setback as Gleison Bremer suffered a serious ACL injury, sidelining him for at least six months. Nico González also picked up an injury, adding to the challenges for coach Massimiliano Allegri in both domestic and European competitions.

Young Nwaneri makes a statement at Arsenal: 'He’s ahead of his time'

Two years after his debut, Ethan Nwaneri knocked more firmly on Mikel Arteta's door at Arsenal on Wednesday evening. The teenager marked his first start in the League Cup match against Bolton Wanderers with two goals.

They don't want to give the Ballon d'Or to Vinícius, but it wouldn't be a great injustice

Djalminha, a former Brazilian international, commented on several topics related to the current situation of the Real Madrid winger, including the uninspired phase he is going through with his national team and the controversy that arose after he stated that "if racism doesn't change," Spain should not host the 2030 World Cup.

Superstition led Todd Boehly to increase the bid for a player

The Chelsea owner reportedly considered 13 to be an unlucky number, so he preferred to raise the bid to 14 million euros.

Napoli officially announces the signing of Lukaku in a €30 million deal

Romelu Lukaku has joined Napoli on a three-year deal, confirmed on Thursday. The 31-year-old Belgian striker signed for a reported fee of €30 million, with potential add-ons up to €15 million.

Shaquille O'Neal interested in investing in a Premier League club

Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA legend, is in negotiations to become a shareholder in West Ham United, last season's ninth-place finishers in the Premier League. Inspired after attending a game, O'Neal is keen to invest significant funds into the club.

Top Countries

Around the web

Motta confirms the arrival of Kolo Muani and briefly addresses Man City rumors

Randal Kolo Muani (26) is on the verge of completing his loan move to Juventus. The Italian top club already shared footage on Wednesday of the French forward's arrival in Turin. Juventus coach Thiago Motta has now confirmed that Kolo Muani is coming to Italy.

To make matters worse, 'fans' also misbehave after Lyon's cup humiliation

Not only the players but also the fans of Olympique Lyon showed their worst side on Wednesday. The team embarrassed itself in the Coupe de France by losing to an amateur club. Afterwards, the fans caused riots both inside and outside the stadium.

Belgian FA makes decision and parts ways with Tedesco

Domenico Tedesco is stepping down as Belgium's head coach, the federation announced. The dismissal of Tedesco comes as no surprise.

Massive task ahead for Moyes at Everton: 'Quality needs to be added'

David Moyes acknowledges the significant challenge he faces at Everton. The manager is tasked with keeping his old love in the Premier League. On Wednesday evening, he got off to a rough start with a defeat against Aston Villa. Moyes is eager to see reinforcements arrive.

Diego Simeone targets Real Madrid after controversial win: 'What's the surprise...'

The controversy revolves around an incident where Celta de Vigo appealed for a penalty, which was not awarded, ultimately being eliminated after extra time in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Bordalás' team wins with 16 percent possession against fourth-division team

Getafe is not exactly known as the most football-playing team, but José Bordalás' men took it to the extreme on Wednesday. The 15th-placed team in La Liga struggled significantly against fourth-division side Pontevedra, managing only sixteen (!) percent possession in that cup match.

And we keep wondering why no one watches Belgian football

Toby Alderweireld is highly irritated about the condition of Anderlecht's pitch. The former Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atlético Madrid defender visited the venue with Antwerp FC on Thursday. The Belgian top club has been struggling with major pitch issues for some time.

I don't like to say it, but Postecoglou deserves to be sacked

The pressure on Ange Postecoglou continues to mount. The Tottenham Hotspur manager lost the North London Derby against rival Arsenal on Wednesday evening, suffering yet another blow this season. In England, there are already calls for his dismissal.

Luis Enrique complains about the pitch: 'More suited for rugby'

Luis Enrique was not pleased with the condition of the pitch where Paris Saint-Germain had to play on Wednesday. The French top club visited fifth-division side FC Espaly-Saint-Marcel in the cup competition and narrowly escaped a scare.

Trefzekere Palmer follows Hazard's example and joins an illustrious Premier League list

Cole Palmer, with his goal against Bournemouth, has matched an achievement of Eden Hazard during his time in a Chelsea shirt. With the goal at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old standout for The Blues has joined a list of illustrious goal scorers in the Premier League.