Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez caught up in huge fight as he goes to Colombia fans after Copa America loss

Liverpool’s popular Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez was involved in a heated brawl as punches were exchanged between him and fans following Uruguay’s Copa America exit at the hands of Colombia.

Tensions escalated between the two countries after the final whistle, with Colombia claiming a 1-0 victory thanks to Jefferson Lerma’s header in the 39th minute. Once the ruckus on the pitch died down, Uruguay’s players made their way to the stands, according to The Mirror.

Nunez led several Uruguayan players into the crowd before hostility erupted from Colombian fans, leading to a full-scale fight between players and spectators. After being punched by a fan, Nunez defended himself, with footage showing him retaliating against several supporters.

Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo was also caught up in the brawl, with thousands of shocked fans capturing the incident on their phones. Security intervened to separate the two groups, quickly escorting the Uruguayan players to the dressing rooms.

As Uruguayan publication El Pais reported, Uruguayan players entered the crowd to support family members and friends seated behind the team bench. With a predominantly Colombian crowd in the stadium, relatives of the Uruguayan stars were subjected to abuse.

After the football match, held at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, a melee broke out involving players, officials and fans. Team leader Nunez ushered his teammates into the stands to join loved ones who were brought onto the field for safety as tensions continued to rise.

In particular, Jorge Giordano, director of Uruguay’s national football team, and press officer Felipe Cotelo found themselves in the middle of the drama.

Reports indicate that Manuel Ugarte, a midfielder from Uruguay, rushed to the pitch to help his injured family members amid the chaos. It was also noted that certain Uruguayan supporters did not emerge unscathed from the incident as they were outnumbered by rival Colombian fans.

Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez did not mince words about the ordeal; calling it an absolute “disaster” and criticizing the lack of enforcement on the grounds. He was quoted as saying: “It was a disaster; there was no police and we had to defend our families.”

Blaming a minority of overzealous individuals, he further commented: “This is because two or three have one drink too many. A certain sector of Colombian fans made an avalanche where their loved ones were.”

In the wake of the events, CONMEBOL, the governing body, is to assess the situation ahead of the highly anticipated Copa America final on Sunday. The clash will see Colombia, on their remarkable two-year unbeaten run, take on Argentina in Miami.

Despite their impressive stats, Colombia head into the match as underdogs.

Argentina are hoping to win a third consecutive trophy after Lionel Messi lifted the Copa America trophy in 2021 before winning the World Cup a year later. Messi has never won an international trophy before 2021 but has the chance to add to his legacy on Sunday in his new hometown after signing with MLS side Inter Miami last year.