The head of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramón Jesurún, and his son, Ramón Jamil, have been arrested following a brawl at Sunday’s Copa América final in Miami. The Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed that the 71-year-old Jesurún and his 43-year-old son face charges of battery involving an official or an employee.
The incident occurred at the Hard Rock Stadium after Colombia’s 0-1 loss to Argentina in extra time. Neither Jesurún nor his son has publicly commented on the matter.
According to a statement sent to the BBC by the Miami-Dade Police Department, the altercation began just after the match ended. Mr. Jesurún and his son were “walking towards the entrance of the field” when they became “irate and began shouting” at a security officer who had been instructed to temporarily delay their entry.
The officer reportedly “placed an open palm” on the chest of Ramón Jamil to guide him back. In response, Mr. Jesurún pushed the officer, and his son grabbed the officer’s neck, pulling him to the ground and assaulting him by punching and kicking him in the head.
The police also stated that Ramón Jamil attacked a female official who tried to assist and that both men had punched a security manager. The Jesurún family was believed to be trying to access the pitch to participate in the awards ceremony.
The Colombian Football Federation has not yet issued a statement regarding the arrests.
The Copa América final, held at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, saw an 80-minute delay due to ticketless fans forcing their way in, leading to several clashes with police and security personnel. Multiple arrests were made, and several supporters required treatment from paramedics.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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