Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa has called for an apology rather than sanctions for his players following a post-match altercation with Colombia fans at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The incident occurred after Uruguay's 1-0 loss in the Copa America semifinal.
Bielsa expressed frustration with tournament organizers, criticizing the lack of protection provided to players' families seated behind the Uruguay bench. He defended his players' actions, stating that they were justified in defending their loved ones.
CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, has initiated an investigation into the incident, condemning the violence that erupted in the stands.
Uruguay had the option to seat families in luxury boxes instead of in the crowd, a decision that may have prevented the altercation.
The team is set to play in the third-place game against Canada at the same venue, with heightened security measures in place to ensure a safer environment for all attendees.
The match between Uruguay and Colombia drew a crowd of over 70,000, predominantly supporting Colombia. Following a contentious game that saw multiple disciplinary actions on the field, a fight broke out in the stands, leading to a chaotic scene.
Several Uruguay players, including Darwin Núñez, entered the stands to intervene in the altercation. Bielsa criticized the lack of precautions and emergency exit paths for Uruguay fans, emphasizing the need for better safety measures.
During a passionate news conference, Bielsa clashed with reporters and expressed concerns about potential sanctions, calling the situation a 'witch hunt.' He also criticized media outlets for their coverage of the incident.
Uruguay player Sebastián Cáceres echoed Bielsa's sentiments, stating that checking on the safety of their families was a natural response to the situation.
Despite the tense aftermath of the match, Bielsa emphasized the importance of receiving an apology and addressing the lack of security measures that contributed to the incident.
The events at Bank of America Stadium have sparked discussions about fan safety and the responsibilities of tournament organizers in ensuring a secure environment for players and spectators alike.
For more Copa America coverage, visit AP Copa America coverage.
