Liverpool footballer Darwin Núñez was involved in an altercation with spectators following his national team Uruguay’s defeat on Wednesday evening.
The striker was seen engaging in a physical confrontation with Colombia fans in the stands after the final whistle of the Copa America semi-final.
According to Uruguayan outlet El Pais, the disorder erupted near the area where the friends and family members of players were seated.
Núñez has not yet made any public comments regarding the incident.
TV cameras and fans captured footage of Núñez climbing railings and making his way into the crowded stands at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He was seen confronting Colombia fans as others attempted to restrain him.
Other Uruguay players were also reportedly involved in the incident.
Uruguay captain José María Giménez stated that the players were trying to protect their families, describing the situation in the crowd as a “disaster,” according to Reuters.
He continued: “There was no police and we had to defend our families. This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don’t know how to drink.”
Núñez was seen hugging his son on the pitch after the altercation.
South American football’s governing body Conmebol said it “strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football.”
“There is no pace for intolerance and violence on and off the field,” it added.
The incident occurred after Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat against Colombia in the semi-final, which ended their hopes of reaching the Copa America final on Monday.
Just before the crowd disorder, players and coaching staff had clashed on the pitch after the match concluded.
Núñez, who started the game as a forward for Uruguay, failed to score despite having four attempts on goal.
Liverpool signed Núñez for an initial £64 million from Portuguese side Benfica in June 2022. He has since scored 20 goals in 65 appearances for the club.
BBC News has reached out to Núñez’s representative for comment.
Colombia will face Argentina in Monday’s final.
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