Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker, Darwin Núñez has been handed a five-match ban and fined by the South American football confederation, CONMEBOL, due to his involvement in a mass brawl during the Copa América semi-final.
In addition to Núñez, four other players have been suspended, bringing the total number of players sanctioned to 11 following an investigation into the violence that erupted at the end of the match between Uruguay and Colombia in Charlotte.
Núñez was among the players who entered the stands at the Bank of America Stadium, where they were seen exchanging punches with fans amid the chaotic end to the game.
Núñez received the most severe punishment, with others facing suspensions ranging from four matches or less, in addition to fines.
Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been suspended for four matches, while defenders Mathías Olivera, Ronald Araújo, and José María Giménez have each been banned for three matches.
Núñez was fined $20,000, while the other players received fines ranging from $16,000 to $5,000.
Six additional players were only fined without receiving match bans.
The Uruguayan Football Federation was also fined $20,000, with the amount set to be deducted from their revenue and prize money.
Uruguay’s central defender José María Giménez explained that the players had intervened in the stands out of concern for the safety of their family members and loved ones, who were seated in that section of the stadium.
The punishments can be appealed, but CONMEBOL’s statement did not clarify when the suspensions would take effect. The bans apply only to CONMEBOL-organized matches and not to domestic competitions.
Uruguay is set to play a friendly match against Guatemala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday before entering World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay at home on 6 September and away to Venezuela on 10 September.
Colombia won the semi-final 1-0 but went on to lose the final to Argentina.
