Darwin Nunez is at the heart of controversy, but the Uruguayan FA remains staunchly supportive of him and his teammates. Following the Copa America semi-final against Colombia, a violent altercation erupted as Nunez and other Uruguay players rushed into the stands to protect their families from aggressive Colombian fans. Head coach Marcelo Bielsa didn’t hold back in his press conference, harshly criticizing U.S. Soccer, CONMEBOL, and the tournament organizers for their handling of the situation.
The Uruguayan FA issued a firm statement defending Nunez and the 11 teammates under investigation. The statement emphasized the outstanding conduct of the Uruguayan delegation throughout their stay in the United States, noting their respect for the tournament’s rules and values. It also highlighted the escalated violence instigated by Colombian supporters, the lack of adequate security, and the resultant desperate actions by the Uruguayan players to protect their families.
Bielsa supported his players, stating they “acted as humans” in the face of aggression towards their loved ones. Defender Jose Maria Gimenez echoed these sentiments in an emotional interview, condemning the poor organization and security that left players and families vulnerable. The Uruguay national team and their FA are united in expressing concerns for safety and pushing for change. Uruguay will now face Canada in the third-place match, while Colombia and Argentina compete in the final.
