Liverpool footballer Darwin Núñez was involved in an altercation with spectators after Uruguay's defeat on Wednesday evening. The striker confronted Colombian fans in the stands post the Copa America semi-final whistle.
Disorder reportedly erupted near the Uruguay team's friends and family, as per El País. Núñez has not made a public statement regarding the incident. Images show Núñez scaling railings to enter the stands at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he faced off with Colombian fans while being restrained.
Other Uruguayan players also reportedly participated in the incident. Uruguay's captain, José María Giménez, claimed they were defending their families amidst a "disaster," citing a lack of police presence and blaming the incident on a few inebriated individuals. Post-altercation, Núñez was seen embracing his son on the field.
Conmebol condemned the violence and announced an investigation, stating intolerance and violence have no place in football. The scuffle followed Uruguay's 1-0 loss to Colombia, which cost them a spot in the Copa America final.
Before the disorder, there was a clash between players and staff on the pitch. Núñez, who led Uruguay's attack, failed to score from his four shots. Liverpool acquired Núñez for £64m from Benfica in June 2022, and he has since netted 20 goals in 65 appearances. BBC News has reached out to Núñez's representative.
