Colombia’s win, a 1-0 finish over Uruguay at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday, advanced them to the Copa América final. In front of over 70,000 spectators, Uruguay fell behind early in the match and did not find a way to match Colombia. However, the game ended with some unscrupulous sights.
Jefferson Lerma was the only scorer of the match with his goal in the 39th minute.
Tempers flared throughout the match, with seven yellow cards and one red card after Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz in the first half following two yellow cards. Tensions snapped at the end of the match when players from both teams began scuffling at center field, followed by Uruguayan players climbing into the stands to brawl with the fans.
Following the altercations, Uruguay captain José María Giménez said that the incident with the fans was a “disaster”. He also attempted to defend the players in the stands, saying they were trying to defend their families. Here is what Giménez said in Spanish to the official broadcaster:
“Let me tell you something: they should have been careful because there are families in the grandstand.”
“This is a disaster. Our families were in danger. We had to go to the grandstand to take out our loved ones carrying little newborn babies. A disaster.”
The governing body for South America’s football, CONMEBOL, released a statement that it “emphatically condemns” the incident, then said, “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field.”
With the win, Colombia extended its win streak to 28 games. Colombia now looks to win the tournament for the first time since 2001, facing off against Lionel Messi and the strong Argentina team in the final on Sunday. The game will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
