Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez has been banned for five matches and fined by the South American confederation, CONMEBOL, following his involvement in a mass brawl during the Copa América semi-final. The altercation occurred at the end of the match between Uruguay and Colombia in Charlotte, leading to sanctions against a total of 11 players.
Núñez was among those who entered the stands at the Bank of America Stadium, where he and other players were seen exchanging punches with fans during the chaotic conclusion of the game. His punishment is the most severe, with a five-match ban and a $20,000 fine.
Other players also received suspensions and fines:
- Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended for four matches.
- Defenders Mathías Olivera, Ronald Araújo, and José María Giménez were each banned for three matches.
The fines for the other players ranged from $16,000 to $5,000. Six additional players were fined but not suspended.
The Uruguayan Football Federation was fined $20,000, with this amount to be deducted from their revenue and prize money.
Uruguay’s central defender José María Giménez stated that players intervened in the brawl out of concern for the safety of their family members and loved ones who were in that section of the stadium.
While the punishments are open to appeal, CONMEBOL did not specify when the suspensions would begin. These suspensions apply to CONMEBOL-organized matches, not domestic competitions. Uruguay is set to play a friendly against Guatemala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, before their World Cup qualifiers at home against Paraguay on September 6 and away against Venezuela on September 10.
Colombia won the semi-final 1-0 but lost to Argentina in the final.
