Liverpool’s Nunez Banned for Five Matches After Copa America Brawl
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has been handed a five-match ban and a hefty fine by South American football governing body CONMEBOL for his involvement in a mass brawl during the Copa America semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia. The incident, which occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, saw Nunez and several other players engage in a physical altercation with fans in the stands.
Nunez’s punishment is the most severe among the 11 players sanctioned by CONMEBOL. Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received a four-match suspension, while defenders Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo, and Jose Maria Gimenez were each banned for three matches. The other players involved were fined varying amounts ranging from $5,000 to $16,000.
The Uruguayan Football Federation was also fined $20,000 for its role in the incident. CONMEBOL’s statement did not specify when the suspensions would begin, but they are expected to cover games organized by the confederation, excluding domestic competitions.
Uruguay is scheduled to play a friendly against Guatemala on Sunday before facing Paraguay and Venezuela in World Cup qualifiers on September 6 and 10, respectively. It remains unclear if Nunez and the other suspended players will be available for these matches.
Uruguay central defender Gimenez claimed that the players intervened in the melee to protect their family members and loved ones who were watching the game in the affected section of the stadium. However, CONMEBOL’s investigation concluded that the players’ actions were unacceptable and warranted punishment.
The suspensions and fines are open to appeal, but it is unclear if any of the affected parties will pursue this option. The incident has cast a shadow over the Copa America tournament and raised concerns about the safety of fans at football matches.