Uruguay and Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could face lengthy ban after brawl with fans

Uruguay and Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was involved in a brawl with Colombian fans after his nation’s elimination from the Copa America 2024 semi-finals.

For his actions, Nunez could face a lengthy ban from the sport as governing bodies scrutinize over the unfortunate chain of events.

Darwin Nunez Ban: What went down after Uruguay vs Colombia?

Reports suggest that families of players including Uruguay captain Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur and Nunez as well faced distasteful behaviour from a group of Colombian supporters. This was in the aftermath of Colombia securing their berth in the final after a narrow 1-0 win.

While the other players seemed to have got to their loved ones and moved them away from the trouble, Darwin Nunez seemed to have been ticked off more than his teammates. He could be seen charging at a section of Colombian fans, even flinging a chair towards them in an enraged state.

Shortly after, Nunez made his way into the stands and was filmed having a full-blooded fight with a couple of spectators. He landed a few punches and also took a few hits as the situation was at the risk of boiling over. Fortunately, stadium authorities and the local police intervened and de-escalated the situation.

CONMEBOL release official statement after the incident

Darwin Nunez and his teammates were involved in a unsavoury come-together with Colombia fans after Uruguay’s Copa America clash. In the aftermath, CONMEBOL released a statement condemning the events.

“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football. Our work is based on the conviction that football connects us and unites us, through its positive values. There is no place for intolerance or violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their teams and having an unforgettable party.”

Uruguayan football association’s president Ignacio Alonso also spoke in his team’s defence. Excerpts from his statement read,

“The Uruguayan players had an instinctive, natural reaction, which was to defend the children who were being attacked, their wives, parents, siblings. It was a natural, instinctive reaction that was rational given the events that were taking place.”

There is no doubt FIFA and CONMEBOL will investigate this matter further as it paints a negative picture of the sport.

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