The CONMEBOL statement in response to the shocking fight from Wednesday that saw Uruguay players clashing with Colombian fans in the stands was… lackluster.
Soccer fans around the world were appalled by scenes of Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez exchanging blows with fans in the stands of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A skirmish in the family section holding the relatives of Uruguay’s players prompted the athletes to climb into the stands and defend their loved ones.
Uruguay players have entered the stands and a fight has broken out between fans and players pic.twitter.com/XRbte2ibiy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2024
CONMEBOL responded to the violence with perhaps the weakest statement we’ve ever seen for an incredibly real and dangerous situation.
CONMEBOL statement on Uruguay-Colombia violence
Statement. pic.twitter.com/SGozrzqLyv
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) July 11, 2024
“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,” CONMEBOL said.
UNFORGETTABLE PARTY?
We’ve just seen videos of players and fans brawling, Núñez consoling his terrified child, and NOW is the time to party?
Darwin consoling one of his children after HE himself had to go fight Colombian fans because there was no security and bring his family to the field.#Uruguay #Colombia #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/lSAtaq9IbQ
— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) July 11, 2024
That must go down as one of the weakest statements from a professional sports organization in history.
The Copa América has been a train wreck in organization whether it’s the atrocious fields, referees passing out from heat exhaustion or the violence in the stands.
This tournament will be one to forget and paints a horrid picture for the United States who will be hosting the Club World Cup next year and then the World Cup in 2026.
Morale is at an all-time low.
