Uruguayan striker, Darwin Núñez, has been handed a five-match ban and fined by the South American confederation CONMEBOL after being involved in a physical altercation with Colombian fans in the stands following the Copa America semi-final in July.
The 25-year-old was reportedly one of the players who entered the stands at the Bank of America Stadium, where punches were exchanged during the chaotic scene after the match.
Alongside Núñez, four other players were also suspended, bringing the total to 11 players sanctioned as a result of the investigation into the post-match violence between Uruguay and Colombia in Charlotte.
The incident broke out in a section of the stadium where many family members of the Uruguay players were seated triggering the players' reactions.
Uruguay defender, Giménez stated that the players intervened out of concern for the safety of their family members, who were seated in that section of the stadium.
Gimenez said: "There were 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."
The Liverpool star received the most severe punishment, with others facing suspensions of four matches or less, alongside fines.
Reports indicate that Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a four-game ban, while defenders Mathías Olivera of Napoli, Ronald Araújo of Barcelona, and José María Giménez of Atletico Madrid have each received three-match suspensions.
Núñez has been fined $20,000, with fines for the other players ranging from $16,000 to $5,000. The Uruguayan Football Federation has also been fined $20,000, which will be deducted from its revenue and prize money.
The bans are a significant setback for Uruguay’s head coach, Marcelo Bielsa, the former Leeds United manager, as his team faces several crucial qualifying matches in September and October for the 2026 World Cup.
Bielsa had previously stated that his players deserved an apology from Colombian fans for the brawl that ensued.
The punishments are reportedly open to appeal, although CONMEBOL's statement did not specify when and which games the suspensions would apply.
The organization is investigating the "unacceptable" incidents that occurred following Uruguay's defeat at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
Uruguay is scheduled to play a friendly against Guatemala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday before entering World Cup qualifiers, with a home match against Paraguay on September 6 and an away game against Venezuela on September 10.
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