CONMEBOL launches investigation into Uruguay-Colombia brawl

CONMEBOL has launched an investigation after clashes broke out between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans at the end of the Copa America semi-final match on Wednesday, the South American football association said.

After Colombia won 1-0 in Charlotte, North Carolina, videos on social media showed Uruguayan players climbing into the stands and exchanging blows with opposing fans.

Uruguayans Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo were among the players at the front of the brawl. Captain José María Giménez said the players were trying to defend their families.

In addition, players and staff from both Colombia and Uruguay were involved in an altercation on the pitch after the final whistle.

“CONMEBOL has launched an investigation to clarify the sequence of events and the responsibilities of those involved in the violence at the end of the match,” CONMEBOL said in a statement on Thursday.

“We would like to reiterate and warn that no act that tarnishes this global football festival will be tolerated.

“It is unacceptable that passion turns into violence in an incident like this. Therefore, no behavior that harms sporting competition will be tolerated.”

This story uses information from Reuters.