Malice at the Palace: Darwin Nunez jumps barrier, gets sucker punched by fans following Uruguay’s Copa America semifinal loss to Colombia

An emotionally charged semifinal match took place Wednesday night in the Copa America tournament. Colombia, down to 10 men, held off Uruguay 1-0 to clinch their first Copa Final berth since 2001.

Uruguay’s star striker Darwin Nunez failed to land a single shot on target despite having multiple chances in the first half, leading to a disappointing loss.

Following the match, frustration boiled over as fights broke out in the stands that included several Uruguay players, including Darwin.

Uruguay players have entered the stands and a fight has broken out between fans and players pic.twitter.com/XRbte2ibiy

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2024

This footage shows a bit clearer what happened between Darwin Nuñez and the Colombian fans. pic.twitter.com/AHKjDGIj42

— Uruguay Football ENG (@UruguayFootENG) July 11, 2024

Darwin also appeared to be on the receiving end of a sucker punch — ouch.

JAKAKSJSJJAJ NUEVO VIDEO FAVORITO pic.twitter.com/eRdH3EcpWJ

— Fran (@frabigol) July 11, 2024

Drunk Colombia fans allegedly provoked the fight, with the broadcast stating that players’ families were avalanched and there was no security.

In the interest of safety, Nunez led a group of players into the stands as their relatives and friends were escorted onto the field, but things escalated and became physical.

Felipe Cotelo, a press officer, and Jorge Giordano, the director of the Uruguay national team, were also involved in the altercation.

I stand with Darwin here — you protect your family at all costs, regardless of the situation.

Host organization CONMEBOL will review the incident ahead of Sunday’s Copa America final, in which Colombia will face Argentina in Miami.

Uruguay will face Canada in the third-place match on Saturday.

Darwin consoling one of his children after HE himself had to go fight Colombian fans because there was no security and bring his family to the field.#Uruguay #Colombia #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/lSAtaq9IbQ

— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) July 11, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images