The last Copa America match of the 2024 edition between Uruguay and Colombia saw Colombia clinch a 1-0 victory over the latter but what followed were widespread violent actions which went viral. The game that was played at a full-packed stadium went to the bin when a fight erupted near the stands where the players’ spouses and children were watching. In this regard, CONMEBOL which is the South American football governing body has suspended eleven players in the post-match riots where Liverpool player Darwin Nunez has been banned for five matches besides being heavily fined.
Violent Scenes Erupt After Uruguay’s Defeat
At the end of the 90 minutes, tension and passion were clearly visible on the Uruguayan players and they seemed very disappointed to be out of the semi- final. Things however soon turned bitter, especially when some Colombian spectators allegedly went for the family members of some of the Uruguayan players on stands. Retaliating to the perceived dangers to the players’ family, several players from the Uruguay team, including Nunez, ran to the pitch to shield them. It became very drastic that Uruguayan defender, Jose Maria stated that it was a total disaster, he said there were even time players had to protect their families including babies from harm.
Darwin Nunez Return Date
There is nothing official on Darwin Nunez return. Although, Some media reports are claiming that Darwin Nunez is set to return in month of November 2024 as he’s fined to pursue ban for five international matches.
CONMEBOL’s Swift and Harsh Sanctions
In response to the violent scuffle or fight, such sanctions as bans and fines have been imposed to the players by CONMEBOL. Although Darwin Nunez was filmed involving himself in the riots, he has been handed a five match ban and a $20, 000 fine. This will keep Nunez out of Uruguay’s upcoming FIFA world cup matches against Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. He will only be available to come back in the match against Brazil which will be in November.
The referee for the match, Szymon Marciniak, also received a red card and a 10-match ban along with a $58,000 fine while Spurs’ midfielder, Rodrigo Bentancur, was sanctioned with a four-match ban and $16,000 fine. At the same time, Mathias Olivera was handed a three-match ban as well as Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez, while six other Uruguayan players were fined but not banned from playing.
Uruguay FA and Players Express Outrage
The 34-year-old centre-half was one of the Uruguayan manager Marcelo Bielsa and several players to fume at the absence of security during the scuffle. In his defense Bielsa said, “The only thing I can say is that the players behaved as any human being would do… If they are attacking his wife, his mother, a baby. .. What do you do?”
Indeed, the Uruguayan FA was also fined 120,000 dollars for the post-match troubles so that one can understand the seriousness of the incident to the eyes of CONMEBOL.
Looking Ahead
The sanctions have raised questions over security management in such high-profile events and also fairness in punishing players who were defending their families according to them. Now, for Darwin Nunez and Uruguay, the entire focus will shift to how they go about their upcoming matches without some of their key players.
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