Nunez avoids immediate ban as 11 players investigated after Copa America brawl

Darwin Nunez is one of 11 players reportedly under investigation after his involvement in a brawl at the Copa America, although the Liverpool striker looks set to avoid any immediate punishment.

Nunez was at the center of a fight involving fans and players following Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia in North Carolina. The 25-year-old climbed into the stands to clash with Colombia supporters as tensions escalated following the semi-final.

Players’ families were lifted to safety on the pitch as fighting broke out in the crowd, with Nunez leading some of his teammates into the stand. The striker was seen being held back by security, and seemed to be punched in the head by a fan at one point.

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CONMEBOL – South America’s governing body – has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the incident, having condemned the scenes at the Bank of America Stadium. “We want to reaffirm and warn that no action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration,” a statement said.

Uruguayan outlet El Observador now claims that Nunez is one of 11 players under investigation following the brawl. There have already been suggestions that the Liverpool star could face a lengthy ban for his involvement in the fighting.

Nunez though will not face any immediate punishment, and will be free to play as Uruguay faces Canada in the third-place playoff this weekend. The players under investigation will have until July 17 to submit any statements.

As well as Nunez, Ronald Araujo, Mathias Olivera, Rodrigo Bentancur, Santiago Mele, Sebastian Caceres, Emiliano Martinez, Matias Vine, Brian Rodriguez, Jose Maria Gimenez and Facundo Pellistri have been placed under investigation.

Speaking after the brawl, Uruguayan FA president Ignacio Alonso said: “The Uruguayan players had an instinctive, natural reaction, which was to defend the children who were being attacked, their wives, parents, siblings. It was a natural, instinctive reaction that was rational given the events that were taking place.

“We were in a box, where we had some attacks and we protected some children, opening the area to some kids who were scared and having some crises, but fundamentally what is worrying is what happened down on the field, where there was more diligence in repairs than in precaution. They quickly followed the evacuation protocol and we were able to resolve the situation, not without some inconvenience that you all saw.

“We are analyzing the images. There is no one who is currently in difficulty and measures were taken so that they could receive transport in appropriate places.”