Darwin Núñez will be available for Uruguay’s final Copa America match despite being one of 11 players under investigation following a brawl in the stands after their semi-final game.
Liverpool’s star forward climbed into the stands to confront Colombian supporters after a fight erupted in a section where the families of Uruguayan players were seated. Núñez found himself in the midst of the chaos, exchanging punches before being joined by several teammates.
His actions sparked immediate concerns about a potential ban. However, CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body, has since announced an investigation into the incident. Their statement reads:
“CONMEBOL has opened an investigation to understand the sequence of events and the responsibilities of those involved in the acts of violence that occurred at the end of the match. We want to reaffirm and warn that no action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration.”
According to El Observador, Núñez is among the 11 players under investigation. Since no immediate sanctions have been imposed, all players are free to participate in the third-place playoff against Canada this weekend.
Uruguay FA president Ignacio Alonso mentioned that the cases against the players vary and that they have until Wednesday, July 17, to submit their statements. The absence of immediate sanctions is seen as a positive sign.
Núñez trained as usual on Thursday and is expected to compete for a bronze medal in the same stadium where the altercation occurred. The other players under investigation include Ronald Araújo, Mathías Olivera, Rodrigo Bentancur, Santiago Mele, Sebastián Cáceres, Emiliano Martínez, Matías Viña, Brian Rodríguez, José María Giménez, and Facundo Pellistri.
The chaotic scenes after Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia involved drinks and punches being thrown, with the players’ families attempting to escape to the pitch. Liverpool has not yet issued a statement regarding Núñez, but The Athletic’s James Pearce reported that the club would be reaching out to check on him and his family.
While there is still a real possibility of a ban for Núñez, Liverpool must wait as Uruguay consults with their lawyers for a potential defense.
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