The kick-off of Sunday’s Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in Miami was delayed by 30 minutes amid chaotic crowd scenes outside the venue, organisers confirmed on Sunday.
Players from both Argentina and Colombia returned to the locker rooms during warm-ups on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch following the delay.
Copa America Final: Argentina vs Colombia – LIVE
A man is detenied by police outside the stadium prior to the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
“Please be advised that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium. Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is reopened. The match will be postponed for 30 minutes, starting at 8.30pm local time (0030 GMT),” the statement said.
The delay came after thousands of fans were kept waiting outside the ground.
Video posted on social media showed fans, mostly wearing Colombia’s yellow and red colors, jumping over security railings near the Southwest entrance of the stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and running past police officers and stadium attendants. Screams could be heard in the background.
A handful of people could be seen receiving medical treatment and asking for water in the sweltering South Florida heat. Officers were able to push the crowd behind black gates and lock down the entrance so that no one could get inside, although plenty of fans had already made it to their seats before then.
One young fan wearing an Argentina jersey was let inside the gate crying hysterically as the man who was with him and a police officer tried to comfort him.
A fan named Claudio, who traveled to the game from Mendoza in Argentina, spoke of not being able to breathe as police attempted to subdue the chaos.
Advertisement video-carousel
Miami-Dade County’s police department issued a statement on X following the scene, mentioning that there were “several incidents” before the gates opened at the stadium.
“These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium,” the statement said. “We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested.”
video-carousel
(With inputs from Agencies)
Stay updated with the latest from Euro 2024. Explore Euro 2024 Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest Goal-Scorer in Euro 2024. CheckEuro 2024 Points Table and Euro 2024 Match Results and Euro 2024 Match Schedule .
Miami-Dade County’s police department issued a statement on X following the scene, mentioning that there were “several incidents” before the gates opened at the stadium.
“These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium,” the statement said. “We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested.”
top videos
View All
Bigg Boss OTT 3: Payal Malik’s Eviction UPSETS Fans, Husband Arman Malik’s Happy Expression SHOCKS
Natasa Stankovic Papped Running Errands Around Town & Missing Husband Hardik Pandya’s T20 Finals
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Hits Rs 500 Cr Mark | Virat’s Love Note For Anushka | Shatrughan Sinha Hospitalised
Bad Newz Trailer Launch: Vicky Kaushal FINALLY Reacts To Katrina Kaif’s Pregnancy Rumours I WATCH
Katy Perry Takes Nude Dressing To Another Level By Wearing Only A Coat To Paris Couture Week | WATCH
Ritayan Basu
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domesti
first published: July 15, 2024, 05:30 IST
Source link : https://www.news18.com/amp/football/copa-america-final-between-argentina-and-colombia-kick-off-delayed-amid-crowd-chaos-8966065.html
Author :
Publish date : 2024-07-14 23:15:40
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.