Argentina’s triumph in the Copa America was overshadowed by terrible riots that even resulted in deaths
There was great joy in Argentina after the Albiceleste’s 1:0 triumph over Colombia in the Copa final. It was also a special experience for Lionel Messi, who was able to lift his 45th title at club and international level in Miami of all places, the place where he currently plays at club level.
The success was also celebrated extensively in Argentina. The next party was started at the obelisk in Buenos Aires, with some of the celebrations lasting until the early hours of the morning. But there was also a flip side to the coin. Because revelers refused to clear the important Avenida 9 de Julio in the morning, the police used water cannons against them – in front of running TV cameras.
A tragic accident had already occurred before the final, according to a report in the newspaper La Nacion, when a 29-year-old man climbed onto a planted billboard next to the obelisk and subsequently died after falling from a height of six meters.
Fatalities in Colombia
It was even worse in Colombia, where five people were killed in brawls after the bitter defeat in the final. “In most cases, stabbing weapons were involved,” the news program Noticias Caracol quoted the head of the national police, Nicolas Rojas.
Four people were killed in the capital Bogota, one in Ibagué – a city around 200 kilometers southwest of Bogota. In addition, 25 people were arrested across the country in connection with brawls
Chaotic conditions in Miami – association president arrested
There had already been chaotic conditions surrounding the final, with the match only being kicked off after a delay of almost 90 minutes because fans had tried to get into Hard Rock Stadium without a ticket – these were images that showed that American security measures still need to be tightened up with a view to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
There were also arrests in Miami – and prominent ones at that: 55 people were expelled from the stadium, 27 were arrested – including the Colombian head of the association Ramon Jesurun and his son. This was confirmed by the police to the AP news agency.
No details were given about the reason for the arrest of the official, who is also a member of the FIFA Council, but the arrest reports state that Jesurun’s son was taken into custody on charges of assault. More than 800 police were deployed at the final at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
