‘This is a disaster’ – Jose Maria Gimenez issues angry statement after Uruguayan players fought with Colombian fans

The COPA America 2024 semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay was marred by a huge fight between the Uruguayan players and the Colombian fans. Jose Maria Gimenez speaking at the end of the game reacted angrily and spoke about what caused the fight. 

Speaking at the end of the game Gimenez said “They stormed all our families. This is a disaster. Our family is in danger. We had to get on top of the stands ASAP to rescue our loved ones” 

"This is a disaster. Our family is in danger."

Uruguay's José María Giménez speaks on the altercation with fans that occurred in the stands following the Copa América Semifinal vs Colombia ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Y0ytj44ioK

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2024

Once the match was over striker Darwin Nunez could be seen heading into the stands. The Liverpool star was seen exchanging blows with a few Colombian fans as the entire scene was captured and circulated on social media. For the record, Colombia beat Uruguay 1-0 thanks to a 39th-minute goal by Jefferson Lerma. 

Uruguay football issues statement 

In the aftermath of the entire fracas taking place, the Uruguayan Football body has reacted angrily. Ignacio Alonso the head of the football body has backed his players over the reaction that was seen at the end of the game. 

Ignacio Alonso said “Uruguay's players had an instinctive reaction that is natural, which is to defend and protect the children who were in that area of the stadium and were suffering attacks on the women, on the parents, on the closest family members, siblings. And it's a father's reaction that is intuitively natural and was very rational given the events that surrounded them”

Meanwhile, the CONMEBOL has also released a statement which read “CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act 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 field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party”

The final match of the tournament will witness Argentina taking on Colombia in a massive encounter. It is to be noted that Argentina are the defending COPA America and FIFA World Cup champions.