CONMEBOL INVESTIGATES A FIGHTING CASE BETWEEN Colombia AND Uruguay IN THE Copa America

Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan striker, got into a fight with a Colombian fans (photo: x @sportingnews)

JAKARTA - CONMEBOL has opened an investigation after Uruguayan players involved clashed with Colombian fans at the end of the Copa America semifinal match on Wednesday, July 10 or Thursday morning WIB, the South American football body announced.

After Colombia confirmed a 1-0 win in Charlotte, North Carolina, videos on social media showed Uruguay players appearing to climb the stands and collide with opposing fans. Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo of Uruguay were among the players who were at the forefront of the fight. Captain Jose Maria Gimenez said the players were trying to defend their families.

Players and staff from both teams, Colombia and Uruguay, were also involved in confrontations on the pitch after the final whistle sounded.

"CONMEBOL has opened an investigation to understand the series of events and responsibilities of those involved in acts of violence that occurred at the end of the match," CONMEBOL said in a statement on Thursday.

"We want to reiterate and warn that no action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration. It is unacceptable that incidents like this turn the spirit into violence. Therefore, there is no behavior that will harm sports competitions that will be tolerated," CONMEBOL said.