Chaotic Scenes Delay Copa America Final Between Argentina and Colombia
Chaotic scenes outside the stadium delayed the start of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday by over 75 minutes. Fans were kept waiting for hours as tournament organizers halted entry into the venue, causing significant unrest among the crowd.
The trouble began when fans rushed the entrance gates, clashing with security personnel, which led to the gates being closed two hours before kickoff. Entry was gradually resumed later, but many fans needed medical attention for heat exhaustion. An AFP reporter on the scene witnessed several fans receiving treatment from paramedics, with others staggering and needing assistance before lying down on the floor.
In a statement, Miami Dade Police reported “several incidents” prior to the game, attributing them to unruly fan behavior as they tried to access the stadium. “We are asking everyone to be patient and abide by the rules set by our officers … unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have a zero tolerance policy against unruly conduct from everyone attending,” the statement read.
Fans, however, criticized the event’s organization, with one Argentina supporter describing the treatment of fans as inhumane. “They are treating us like animals, basically there’s no organization whatsoever, there is nothing. I mean, they didn’t prepare for 60,000 people,” said the supporter, Cabarelli. “There is no preparation, people are fainting and passing out.”
David Fernandez, a Colombia fan from Gainesville, Florida, described the scene as “crazy,” with fans forcing their way into the venue as frustration boiled over. “They just didn’t want to wait. They were just rushing over and running over. They’ve opened the gates three different times — it was good for two or three minutes and then everybody was just rushing,” Fernandez said.
Rosy Riales noted that fans lining up in sweltering temperatures grew increasingly frustrated as the gates remained closed. “People are just riled up and excited, so they’re pushing and it’s like mayhem,” she told AFP. “They should have opened the gates sooner to let people in slowly.”
A statement from Copa America organizers on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that the chaos was caused by unticketed fans attempting to gain entry. “Please be advised that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium,” the statement said. “Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is reopened.”
The disorder at the final comes amid heightened scrutiny of stadium security following a brawl at the end of Wednesday’s semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay. Uruguayan players climbed into the stands and clashed with Colombian fans, alleging that their family members had been threatened following Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat.
The chaotic scenes outside the Copa America final have raised concerns about the organization and security measures at major sporting events, emphasizing the need for better preparation and management to ensure fan safety and order.
