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 after Uruguay’s 1-0 Copa America semifinal defeat. Bielsa criticized tournament organizers for inadequate security for players’ families seated near the Uruguay bench, prompting players to intervene to protect their loved ones.
“We are in the United States, the country of security,” Bielsa stated during an emotional 45-minute press conference, expressing frustration at the lack of protection for families. “How can you not defend your mother, your sister, a baby? If they did not do it, they would have been condemned by all of us.”
He condemned potential sanctions on his team, attributing responsibility to those who failed to ensure safety, labeling it a “witch hunt.”
CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing body, has initiated an investigation into the incident, deploring the escalation of passion into violence. Uruguay, who had the option of seating families in luxury boxes instead of the crowd, will return to the same venue for Saturday’s third-place game against Canada amidst heightened security measures.
The semifinal match, attended by over 70,000 predominantly Colombian fans, saw tensions escalate post-game with physical altercations in the stands, prompting Uruguay players, including Darwin Núñez, to enter the stands to protect their families.
Bielsa further criticized media coverage, accusing certain outlets of serving powerful interests rather than truth. He emphasized the need for an apology over potential sanctions, highlighting concerns for sportsmanship and family safety in competitive settings.
Sebastián Cáceres, echoing Bielsa’s sentiments, defended players’ actions as necessary to ensure their families’ safety amidst the chaotic scenes that ensued after the match.
