Uruguay players, including Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur, risk receiving a ban for engaging in violent scenes with Colombia supporters at the Copa America.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was captured jumping into the stands alongside several of his international teammates to confront spectators following Uruguay’s 1-0 semi-final defeat in North Carolina, USA.
Jose Gimenez accused some opposing supporters of acting threatening towards the families of Uruguay’s players, stating: “They stormed all our families, a section of Colombia fans. This is a disaster. Our family is in danger."
Footage appeared to show Bentancur throwing a bottle into the melee while Nunez has been accused of engaging in physical exchanges with spectators. The Press Association says those involved in the clash could face punishment and potential bans.
Football federation CONMEBOL has released a statement condemning the scenes. It read: "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 of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party."
Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez alleged that spectators were attacking family members, telling reporters: "Obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them but that doesn't justify the image that it created.
"We had to protect our families that were there. What I could see there was a lot of family, a lot of children of my team-mates who were trapped and things were falling on them and you felt helpless."