Liverpool star Darwin Nunez had to fight through fans to save his family amid shocking scenes in the Copa America.
Uruguay’s semi-final loss to Colombia descended into chaos after the final whistle when fans started clashing in the stands at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Disorder broke out close to where the friends and families of the players were situated.
Drinks could be seen being flung into the crowd and punches were being thrown.
And shocking TV footage showed Nunez climb up the railings and force his way into the crowded stands.
Further footage showed the Liverpool and Uruguay forward confronting Colombia fans while others tried to restrain him.
There was also a moment when Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to throw a bottle into the crowd only to hit a member of Uruguay’s staff instead.
Nunez was not the only one who was trying to defend their families with Uruguay defenders Jose Maria Gimenez and Ronald Araujo also spotted in the stands.
Midway through his post-match interview, Gimenez cut himself off and said: “Can I just say something quickly? Sorry because I know they’re going to cut me off and cut you off soon.
“Please, be careful, there are families over up there in the stands, that there isn’t an avalanche.
“To all of our families, I am going to say it now because I know that I can say it even if they cut it. This is a disaster.
“This is a disaster. Our families were in danger. We had to scramble to get up into the stands to take care of our loved ones, some of them newborn babies.
“I hope that when they are organising this, they take a little more care and look out for the families, for the people and their surroundings, and the stadiums.
“This is a disaster because it happens every game. It is always the same. Our family is suffering because of someone who takes two sips of something, they don’t know how to drink, and behaves like children with no sense of respect.”
“This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don’t know how to drink.”
Nunez was seen after the match on the pitch consoling his child following the violent scenes.
Now Nunez could face a lengthy ban for his actions.
South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, responded by stating: “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.”
It came after a fiery clash between Uruguay and Colombia, which saw Nunez’s side lose 1-0 after Jefferson Lerma scored in the first half.
His Crystal Palace teammate Daniel Munoz was sent off just before half-time after receiving two yellow cards.
But there were some heavy challenges being inflicted on one another with Colombia players were furious Uruguay played on with Richard Rios crocked on the floor, eventually being stretchered off.
Nevertheless, Colombia have triumphed over Uruguay and will face Argentina in the Copa America final on Sunday night at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with Lionel Messi already admitting his career is drawing to a close.
