Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez Hit With Lengthy Ban for 2024 Copa America Brawl

Published by GOAL

Published by GOAL

Published by GOAL

• Uruguay lost to Colombia in Copa America
• Darwin Nunez involved in brawl after defeat
• Gets international ban and fined €20,000

WHAT HAPPENED?

CONMEBOL have announced that the Liverpool striker will be banned from his next five international games following his actions where fights broke out after his country’s 1-0 loss to Colombia in the semi-finals of the Copa America in July. He has also reportedly been fined £15,151 – but this will not rule him out of Liverpool action.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Nunez was one of several Uruguay players who confronted a group of Colombia supporters after the defeat to their South American rivals. It was reported that a group of drunk fans had attacked their friends and families in the stands, while videos emerged of babies and children being passed down towards the pitch to avoid the fighting.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has also been banned from representing his country following the events against Colombia. The 27-year-old will miss four matches for Uruguay, one less than Nunez. 11 players in total have been sanctioned by CONMEBOL, including three-match bans for Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo and Jose Gimenez. Fines were issued to six others, including Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

WHAT NEXT?

Darwin Nunez’s ban means he cannot feature for Uruguay until November. He will miss the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia but will return in time to face Brazil.