Uruguay Captain Claims Players Jumped Into Stands To Defend Their Families After Copa America Loss To Columbia

Just minutes after a physical 1-0 loss to Columbia in the semifinals of the Copa America, a group of Uruguay players jumped into the stands of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in what turned into a wild scene. Uruguay captain Jose Maria Gimenez explained that some of his teammates entered the stands to defend their families from a group of Columbia supporters.

Darwin Nunez, a star for Liverpool, was among the group of Uruguay players who made its way into the stands after drinks were flying and fans in the specific section were already getting physical. The attendance during Wednesday night's contest was north of 70,000 with the overwhelming majority of fans showing support for Columbia.

During a post-match interview on the field, Gimenez did not mince words about the situation that unfolded in the stands, bluntly explaining that families were in danger.

"They stormed all our families," Giménez said. "A certain sector of Colombia fans, and they won’t let us speak on the microphone. I’m going to say it now because I know I can because if not they’ll cut you off. This is a disaster. Our family is in danger. We had to get on the top of the stands ASAP to rescue our loved ones. With newborn babies. It was a disaster."

He also went on to suggest that some fans didn't know how to handle their alcohol, which played a factor in things getting physical.

"I hope that those who are organizing this are a little more careful with the families, with the people and with the people around in the stadiums. It’s a disaster because all the matches are the same," he continued. "Our families are suffering because of some who drink one or two shots of alcohol that don’t know how to drink. Who behave like children and are not decent."

While Gimenez claimed that police and security did not arrive to help until a half hour after tempers flared, ABC reports that authorities took more than 10 minutes to arrive.

Nunez was seen consoling his young child on the field after the brawl.

Darwin Nunez holds his young child after grabbing them from the stands following a run-in with fans at the Copa America. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CONMEBOL released a statement following the incident:

"CONMEBOL strongly condemns any acts of violence that affects football. Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values. There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the pitch. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party."

It's safe to assume several suspensions are coming for the Uruguay players who jumped into the stands, and also an investigation into fans who allegedly put families in danger. 

Uruguay is set to take on Canada on Saturday in a third-place match.