Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is facing a potential ban after being caught up in a chaotic brawl with fans following Uruguay’s Copa America semi-final defeat to Colombia.
The South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, has launched an investigation into the ugly scenes that unfolded at the end of the match. Video footage showed Nunez exchanging punches with supporters in the stands after Uruguay’s 1-0 loss.
Tensions boil over in Copa America
The match had already been a heated affair, with Uruguay reduced to ten men following a red card for Guillermo Varela. Tensions reached boiling point at the final whistle as Uruguay players confronted the Colombian fans.
Nunez was among those who entered the stands, where a full-scale brawl erupted. The Liverpool forward appeared to retaliate after being struck by a fan.
CONMEBOL Launches Investigation
CONMEBOL has moved swiftly to condemn the violence and has opened an investigation into the incident. In a statement, the governing body warned that it would not tolerate any behaviour that tarnishes the reputation of the sport.
“No action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration,” CONMEBOL said. “It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence.”
Uruguay captain Jose Maria Gimenez described the situation as a “disaster” and claimed that players had intervened to protect their families.
Darwin Nunez faces punishment
Nunez now faces the prospect of a lengthy ban if found guilty of misconduct. The severity of any punishment will be determined by the outcome of CONMEBOL’s investigation.
Uruguay will face Canada in the third-place playoff later this week, but Nunez’s participation is now in doubt.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Copa America and raised serious questions about player and spectator safety.
