Uruguayan FA Official: Players’ Family Safety Not Guaranteed, Self-defense Reaction Understandable

On July 13th, the Uruguayan Football Association released a statement expressing that the players’ family members had not received the necessary protection, and that the players’ actions to defend their families were reasonable under the circumstances.

The statement reads as follows:

In light of the events following the Copa America semi-final match between Uruguay and Colombia, the Uruguayan Football Association wishes to make the following comments. Throughout their preparation and participation in the Copa America in the United States, the Uruguayan national team has displayed exemplary professionalism both individually and collectively.

We have always respected the organizers, opponents, journalists, security personnel, and fans, strictly adhering to the rules based on our own values. On Wednesday of this week, amidst an environment where Uruguayan fans faced various forms of verbal abuse, provocation, and attacks, a confrontation escalated behind the Uruguayan bench, involving the area designated for Uruguayan fans, ultimately drawing in several players’ family members and staff.

Faced with a tense situation where women and children were endangered, several players ascended into the stands to plead for mercy and provide protection. It is noteworthy that the proportion of Uruguayan fans involved in this conflict was very small, and the players’ family members did not receive the protection they deserved.

Given these facts and the mentioned safety concerns, the players’ attitude was inevitable, and their emotional reactions were natural.