Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has been handed a five-game ban following his involvement in an altercation with spectators after Uruguay’s defeat by Colombia in the Copa America semi-final. In addition to the ban, which will prevent him from participating in five international matches starting in September, Nunez has also been fined £15,145.
The incident has led to penalties for four other players as well. Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received a four-game ban, while Napoli defender Mathias Olivera, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, and Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez each received three-game bans.
These sanctions were issued by South America’s football governing body, Conmebol, following an investigation into the altercation, which took place in an area of the stadium where many family members of the Uruguay players were seated.
Commenting on the incident, Gimenez stated, “There was 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.”
Uruguay is expected to feel the impact of these bans as they gear up for their World Cup qualifying matches in September and October. Their next match is scheduled against Paraguay on September 6th in Montevideo.
