Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is one of 11 players under investigation after he was involved in a brawl following Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia at Copa America.
Darwin Nunez is one of 11 players reportedly under investigation after his involvement in a brawl at the Copa America, although the Liverpool striker looks set to avoid any immediate punishment.
Nunez was at the center of a fight involving fans and players following Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia in North Carolina. The 25-year-old climbed into the stands to clash with Colombia supporters as tensions escalated following the semi-final.
Players’ families were lifted to safety on the pitch as fighting broke out in the crowd, with Nunez leading some of his teammates into the stand. The striker was seen being held back by security, and seemed to be punched in the head by a fan at one point.
South America’s governing body – has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the incident, having condemned the scenes at the Bank of America Stadium. “We want to reaffirm and warn that no action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration,” a statement said.
Uruguayan outlet El Observador now claims that Nunez is one of 11 players under investigation following the brawl. There have already been suggestions that the Liverpool star could face a lengthy ban for his involvement in the fighting.
Nunez though will not face any immediate punishment, and will be free to play as Uruguay faces Canada in the third-place playoff this weekend. The players under investigation will have until July 17 to submit any statements.
As well as Nunez, Ronald Araujo, Mathias Olivera, Rodrigo Bentancur, Santiago Mele, Sebastian Caceres, Emiliano Martinez, Matias Vine, Brian Rodriguez, Jose Maria Gimenez and Facundo Pellistri have been placed under investigation.