Reaction to incident after Uruguay vs. Colombia 👀 This is a CONMEBOL problem! – Gomez | ESPN FC

Richard Mendez joins Kay Murray on ESPN FC from Charlotte to describe when Darwin Nunez and his Uruguayan teammates confronted fans in the stands following their loss to Colombia in the Copa America semifinals. Sebastian Salazar, Herculez Gomez and Ale Moreno then discuss what could’ve been done to prevent what happened and what it could mean for the World Cup in 2026.

[GrandT]

In south america police use riot gear during and around the games for a reason.

[mauromatos]

Please don't call drunk idiots passionate. Don't think that will hold up has an excuse if charged.

[dianaloaiza]

USA should take a look how games in England are handled, the logistics with the stewards, and the crowd’s division are the keys.

[rhath]

I went to the Brazil v Uruguay game in Las Vegas as a neutral. Fans of both teams were sitting side by side and even saw a lot of Colombian fans at the game. Even though everyone seems to be well behaved, I think they 100% need to section off the fans to each side for the world cup in 2026 and even for the Fifa club world cup next year for the matter.

[cristobalin]

you are not supposed to sell alcohol in the stadiums, in southamerica there is no alcohol allowed in football games . Just for making money you not gonna put peoples lifes at risk

[rdad]

Well-done, Copa organizers. Genius crowd control.

[davidblancarte]

We need Richard covering the Presidential debates. Dude was spitting nothing but facts at the end.

[Random_Vince]

I agree with everything Alejandro Moreno said. I will also add that if CONMEBOL don't split up the Argentina and Colombia fans there's going to be way more fights in this final game.

[TrainerAQ]

The problem is Bank of America expected the fans to shake hands and be all friendly like some kinda NFL game, but they didn't expect full on war between two rival nations. This the problem USA just quite doesn't get it with the passion for futbol. They put security there to stop fans running into the pitch. Not to stop pro athletes from attacking fans or full on war erupting in the stands.

Charlotte...as my hometown and home to Charlotte FC and a growing Soccer City. Im am disappointed in you. No wonder you weren't selected to host a World Cup game in 2 years. I'll just drive the 4 hours to Atlanta now.

[calc]

Ale seems not to be able to comprehend that this is a Conmebol tournament. Why was there a lack of security? Because Conmebol didn't want to spend the money. Why weren't the supporter separated? Because Conmebol didn't want to spend the money. Why weren't the players' families in suites? Because Conmebol didn't want to give those families the suites.

[USLInsight]

Just because you’re passionate about soccer doesn’t mean that’s a pass to go violent

[medalgearsalad]

I remember the stadium being 80% yellow shirts. Brave of Uruguay to pull that 😅

[skyhigh]

You are talking about a different level of fans. Most countries in central have 10 feet high cages. To keep fans safe.

[issedoesit]

This is the result of CONMEBOL not wanting to release large blocks of tickets to the different federations so their fans could sit together. They felt they could make more money with this free for all so this is what you get.
Thankfully in 2026 FIFA will be organizing the event and have a traditional formula that works.

[iamgroot-nd]

This is not a surprise in South American Football

[_CatBug_]

The fights happen outside the stadiums in America. People have beennmurdered after NFL games. I'm surprised the security werent prepared to keep the peace inside.

[dvdesprza]

Using the word “passionate” again to describe these idiots. There are millions of passionate fans around the world supporting teams that never resort to violence . This isn’t passion, it’s stupidity.

[jm]

The final will have two hostile fan bases so Miami police should be ready

[JonniMartinez]

Ale has been saying that the Copa America should stay in South America and doesn't being in the United States and he is 1000% right .... the finals will be worse

[einrduranzo]

I like how one sided this is...no mention of nunez throwing chair at Colombia fans...