After the final whistle blew, chaos ensued, as Uruguay players entered the stands and clashed with Colombia supporters
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Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0Scuffle broke out postgame in standsUruguay players and fans have physical altercationWHAT HAPPENED?
Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0 Wednesday night in the Copa America semifinals courtesy of a Jefferson Lerma header off a James Rodriguez cross.
Following the conclusion of the match, a scuffle broke out in the stands where Uruguay and Colombia fans were seated. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is seen to be at the center of it.
Nunez and teammates climbed a staircase into the crowd, the Associated Press reported. It took more than 10 minutes for police to restore order. The public address announcer asked for fans to leave the stadium, but several supporters remained.
About 100 Uruguayan fans and members of the federation staff remained on the field more than 20 minutes after the final whistle, while Colombia fans made their way out to celebrate their victory.
CONMEBOL released a statement after the game saying that it strongly condemns any act of violence that affects the game.
“Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values,” the organization said. “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.”
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa told reporters after the match that he was unaware of the incident, initially.
"I thought that the incident ended with some argument on the midfield and when I saw that happening I went to the locker room," he said. "I thought that they were thanking the fans for their support. But then I learned that there were some problems over there unfortunately."
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Video replays showed players and fans clashing, with what appears to be a altercation between multiple people. In addition, objects were thrown back and forth, including beverages, food and what the FOX commentary team described as "punches."
WHAT NEXT FOR COLOMBIA & URUGUAY?
Uruguay will take on Canada Saturday night in the third-place match of the tournament, while Colombia advance to Sunday's final against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
It remains to be seen how the postgame scuffle is handled by CONMEBOL and each respective team, and whether any disciplinary measures will be leveled.