Darwin Núñez given 5-game suspension for Copa América brawl in stands

Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez has been given a five-game suspension for his actions after the team's defeat to Colombia in the Copa America in July. Other players were also punished for their roles in the confrontations with fans. This decision was announced by the governing body of South American soccer on Wednesday.

Rodrigo Bentancur was given a four-game suspension, while Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, and Mathias Olivera were each handed three-game bans.

Following Colombia's 1-0 win in the Copa semi-final, Uruguayan players fought with the opposing fans in the stands.

Uruguayan athletes have gone into the stands and a brawl has started between supporters and players.

The captain of Uruguay, Gimenez, stated that the players were doing their best to protect their loved ones.

The Uruguay Football Association was also penalized with a $20,000 fine, and a total of 11 players were disciplined for their participation in the fight. Nunez received a $20,000 fine, Bentancur $16,000, and Araujo, Olivera, and Gimenez $12,000 each.

The team members will need to complete their suspensions during Uruguay's upcoming official games in the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds.

Nuñez was also penalized $20,000 and will now be unable to participate in his national team's 2026 World Cup matches against Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador.

They will play against Paraguay in Montevideo and Venezuela in Maturin in September; Peru (on the road) and Ecuador (at home) in October; Colombia (at home) and Brazil (away) in November.

Reported by Tommy Lund in Gdansk and Fernando Kallas, Edited by Toby Davis.