The Uruguay Football Association has responded after Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez was implicated in their unsavoury events following their Copa America exit.
The Uruguayan Football Association has issued a stern statement in response to the unsavoury circumstances that occurred during their Copa America semi-final defeat to Colombia. Darwin Nunez, a Liverpool striker, was recorded on multiple recordings brawling with opposition supporters in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Nunez was photographed shirtless in the midst of the event, which appeared to be the result of a fight involving many people in the stands. The 25-year-old is shown being physically restrained in horrifying events as his Reds teammate Luis Diaz secures their spot in Monday’s final in Miami, Florida.
Liverpool waited for facts to surface before commenting on what happened in North Carolina early Thursday morning. Nunez was said to be stepping in to defend his family, and footage from the incident showed the former Benfica talisman being consoled by a member of staff after the tragic event.
CONMEBOL’s regulatory body is now expected to conduct a thorough investigation, and FIFA may be called in to uncover the entire scope of the scandal.
“The Uruguayan Football Association delegation, present in the United States for more than a month, has been carrying out all activity in an exemplary manner, both in its personal and group attitude and in its public statements,” a press release said.
“Respect for the organization, rivals, journalists, security officers, and the general public has been consistent, with strict adherence to tournament rules and our country’s historic traditions.
“On Wednesday, in the midst of verbal violence, provocation, and various attacks, a group of Uruguayan fans behind the substitutes’ bench and technical area engaged in various skirmishes that escalated and triggered situations in which several families of players and staff members became involved.
“In the midst of a desperate crisis in which women and children were being held hostage, several players rushed up to the stands to advocate for their protection and defense.
“The event took place in an environment where the majority of Uruguayan supporters were families, and there were insufficient security measures in place to deal with the scenario.
“Given the facts and the aforementioned lack of security, the players’ reaction was understandable and natural.[….]In its 124-year history, this group has proudly promoted the highest norms of citizen conduct, prohibiting all acts of aggression in sports.[…]
“Unfortunately, the events reported, generated an unjustified but humanly understandable reaction.”