Uruguay star Gimenez looks distressed as he gives emotional interview about family being ‘in danger’ at Copa America
URUGUAY star Jose Maria Gimenez gave an emotional interview following the crowd trouble in the aftermath of Uruguay’s Copa America exit.
Uruguay players and their families clashed with fans following their 1-0 loss at the hands of Colombia last night.
Stars such as Gimenez, Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo could be seen wading into the stands to protect their loved ones during the ugly scenes.
And Gimenez, 29, looked distressed and shaken after the fact, as he gave an emotional interview to Fox Soccer.
The Atletico Madrid defender said: “Let me say something before they cut you off because they won’t let us speak into the microphone.
“They don’t want me to say anything about what’s going on but this is a disaster. Our families are in danger.
“We had to get into the stands ASAP to rescue our loved ones with newborn babies.
“It was a disaster; there was no police and we had to defend our families.
“This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don’t know how to drink.”
He added: “I hope that those who are organising this are a little more careful with the with the families and the people around the stadium.
“It’s a disaster because all the matches are the same. Our families are suffering.”
Organisers Conmebol released a statement of their own condemning the actions.
It read: “Conmebol strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football.
“Our work is based on the conviction that football connects us and unites us, through its positive values.
“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field.
“We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their teams and having an unforgettable party.”
Giminez wasn’t the only one left looking distressed after the melee had come to an end.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was seen consoling his young son on the pitch after rescuing him from the chaos in the stands.
While the 25-year-old has also been videoed throwing a chair towards Colombia fans in the stands.
Nunez was filmed charging towards the Colombian fans with a foldable chair in his hand but was unable to chuck it into the stands thanks to the intervention of a nearby security guard.
The fortunate steps from the staff member made sure nobody was hurt during the interaction and the chair slammed into the side of the stands instead.
