Copa America: How Luis Suarez Fuelled Altercation Between Players and Fans
- The 2024 edition of the Copa America witnessed another far-from-impressive scene during the clash between Uruguay and Colombia
- A prolonged altercation between players of the Uruguayan team and Colombian fans stole the headline of the semi-final fixture
- How former Barcelona forward, Luis Suarez, inadvertently fuelled the altercation between both teams has surfaced
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Colombia booked their spot in the Copa America final after a brilliant cross from captain James Rodriguez, converted by Jefferson Lerma, secured victory for them against Uruguay.
Coach Nestor Lorenzo's side had to show resilience, and a first-half red card to Daniel Munoz meant the Colombian team had to dig deep to secure victory.
However, what should have been a celebratory victory for the Colombian team, marking their first final in 23 years, quickly descended into chaos.
![Luis Suarez during the clash between Colombia and Uruguay Luis Suarez during the clash between Colombia and Uruguay](https://cdn.legit.ng/images/1120/74abab4ba8b11585.jpeg?v=1)
Source: Getty Images
The aftermath of the fixture saw a series of brawls and altercations, with players and fans embroiled in physical confrontations.
Uruguayan players, including Darwin Nunez, were spotted throwing punches and exchanging blows with fans of the Colombian team.
However, prior to the unpleasant exchange, it appeared forward Luis Suarez had a role to play in the altercations that ensued.
Luis Suarez's role in the Uruguay vs Colombia fight
According to Sportbible, before the players entered the stands amid the altercation with fans, the Inter Miami forward clashed with Colombia's Miguel Borja, igniting a heated exchange among players from both teams.
Players and staff of both teams intervened, and Suarez opted to congratulate Rodriguez on his side's win.
Shortly after, the 37-year-old was seen punching a Colombian coach, which appeared to be the final straw that caused the situation to spiral out of control.
Atlético Madrid defender, Jose Maria Gimenez, attributed the brawl to the fact that the families of Uruguayan players were being threatened by Colombian fans.
Despite the incident, Suarez and his Uruguayan teammates still have a chance to end their Copa America campaign on a high note by clinching third place with a victory against Canada.
Uruguay players confront Colombia fans
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that ugly scenes erupted after the Copa America semi-final match between Uruguay and Colombia, leading to a post-match brawl involving players and fans.
Darwin Nunez played a starring role as the Uruguay forward was sighted in a fistfight with scores of Colombian fans following the ill-tempered defeat.
Uruguay, one of only three sides to finish the group stages with an unblemished record, were poised to make a return to the final for the first time since 2011.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke