Liverpool footballer, Darwin Núñez, was involved in a confrontation with spectators following Uruguay’s loss on Wednesday evening.
The striker was observed engaging physically with Colombia fans in the stands after the Copa America semi-final concluded.
According to the Uruguayan news source El Pais, the disturbance occurred near the section where the players’ friends and family were seated.
Núñez has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Television cameras and spectators recorded Núñez climbing the railings and moving into the crowded stands at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He was then seen confronting Colombia fans while others attempted to hold him back.
Other Uruguay players were reportedly involved in the altercation as well.
Uruguay’s captain, José María Giménez, stated that the players were trying to protect their families, calling the situation in the crowd a “disaster.”
He added, “There was no police presence, and we had to defend our families. This was caused by a few people who had too much to drink and couldn’t handle their alcohol.”
This incident followed Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the semi-final, which prevented them from reaching the Copa America final on Monday.
Just before the crowd trouble began, players and coaching staff had already clashed on the field after the match ended.
Núñez, who started the game as a forward for Uruguay, was unable to score from his four attempts on goal.
Liverpool acquired the forward for an initial fee of £64 million from Portuguese club Benfica in June 2022. He has netted 20 goals in 65 appearances for the team.
Colombia is set to face Argentina in the final on Monday.
Nancy Mbamalu
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