Argentina's Copa America win sparks deadly riots in Colombia
It happened in Colombia after their national team lost to Argentina in the Copa America final (0-1). As a result, 25 people were detained, and five died.
16 July 2024 11:23
While everyone in Europe was focused on the Euro 2024 competition, the Copa America was taking place across the ocean. The tournament was organized in the United States, but it won’t be remembered fondly.
The national teams of Argentina and Colombia made it to the final. Their match for the title was supposed to start late Sunday night into Monday morning (July 14/15) at 8:00 PM ET. Ultimately, the referee's first whistle blew nearly an hour and a half later.
This was because fans without tickets attempted to storm the stadium. As a result, security closed the gates and slowly but thoroughly checked every person entering Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The match ended with Argentina defeating Colombia 1-0 in extra time. This result led to riots on the streets of the latter country, ending tragically.
- In the majority of cases, bladed weapons were used. 25 people were detained nationwide - informed national police chief Nicolas Rojas on the air of Noticias Caracol.
According to police data, five people died as a result of the riots. Four were killed in Bogotá, and one in the town of Ibagué, located close to 200 kilometres from the capital.
Argentina’s final triumph also heated things up in that country. Thousands of fans celebrated their compatriots' success on the streets of Buenos Aires. By morning, fans had not left the streets, blocking traffic. This caused the police to use water cannons.
