Liverpool star clashes with fans as Marcelo Bielsa takes blame for Uruguay loss

Marcelo Bielsa has taken full responsibility for Uruguay’s Copa America semi-final defeat to Colombia. Jefferson Lerma’s 39th minute header proved decisive as 10-man Colombia claimed a 1-0 win at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Victory extended Colombia’s unbeaten run to 28 matches and set up a showdown with Argentina in Sunday’s final. Former Leeds United boss Bielsa told the media: “Uruguay was in a clear condition to win this match if you assess the individual talent in each squad. I manage the team that, in my opinion, had the stronger individual talent vis-à-vis the opponent, and we weren’t able to make the difference that I thought we were going to make if you compared both formations.

“I am personally liable for not achieving the result, despite having these players that were capable of being superior than the opponent.

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“We were not able to seize our extra man advantage, and when a team wins with less individual talent, logically, the manager that is coaching the weaker team shows that he is superior than the coach that had the best players.”

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could face a lengthy ban after he clashed with supporters in the stands in the wake of Uruguay’s loss. Nunez was among the Uruguay players who went up into the stands at the end of the clash and appeared to become involved in altercations with supporters wearing the yellow shirts of Colombia.

South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, responded by stating: “CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football. Our work is based on the conviction that football connects us 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 their passion into cheering on their teams and having an unforgettable party.”

A full investigation is now expected from CONMEBOL and FIFA may even get involved to determine the full reasons behind the unsavoury scenes.

Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez branded the incident a “disaster” and criticised the lack of police present on site. “It was a disaster; there was no police and we had to defend our families,” said Gimenez. “This is because of two or three who have one drink too many. A certain sector of the Colombian fans made an avalanche where our loved ones were.”