Hours before the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, fans breached security gates, causing chaos and concern among attendees.
Video footage shared on social media depicted fans, predominantly in Colombia's yellow and red colors, jumping over security railings near the Southwest entrance of the stadium. The scene showed fans running past police officers and stadium attendants, with screams audible in the background.
Several individuals required medical attention and water due to the intense South Florida heat. Law enforcement managed to push the crowd behind gates and secure the entrance to prevent further unauthorized access, although many fans had already made their way to their seats.
One particularly distressing moment captured a young fan in an Argentina jersey being allowed inside the gate while crying hysterically, comforted by a companion and a police officer.
Reports from a fan named Claudio, who had traveled from Mendoza, Argentina, described the chaotic situation, mentioning difficulties in breathing as police worked to restore order.
Miami-Dade County's police department issued a statement addressing the incidents, attributing them to the unruly behavior of fans attempting to gain unauthorized entry to the stadium. The statement emphasized the importance of following rules set by law enforcement and stadium personnel to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
The sellout crowd of over 65,000 spectators was anticipated for the championship match of the South American tournament. However, it remains unclear how many of the fans who entered during the commotion possessed valid tickets for the event.
CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, had issued a warning a day prior, stipulating that fans must possess tickets to gain entry to the venue.
For more Copa America coverage, visit AP Copa America coverage.
