Colombia defeat Uruguay to reach Copa America semi-finals

Jefferson Lerma scored the decisive goal as 10-man Colombia defeated Uruguay to advance to the Copa America final in a match marred by an altercation between players and fans in the stands after the final whistle.

Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez, who was involved in the fracas, missed several chances before Crystal Palace midfielder Lerma headed in a James Rodriguez corner after 39 minutes.

Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz received a second yellow card for elbowing Manuel Ugarte and was sent off at the end of the first half.

Uruguay pressed for an equalizer after the break, but Luis Suárez was denied when his shot hit the post.

Mateus Uribe missed two late opportunities for Colombia, but they held on and will face Argentina in the Copa America final on Monday, 15 July (0100 BST). Uruguay will play Canada in the third-place play-off on Sunday, 14 July (0100 BST).

Núñez was involved in an altercation with spectators after the game, physically confronting Colombia fans.

According to Uruguayan outlet El Pais, disorder broke out close to where friends and family members of players were located.