Heads are already rolling over the incident.
The organizers of the Copa America final in Miami, Florida, are under scrutiny after the event descended into chaos before the match, with fans clashing with police and storming the gates. Argentina secured a record 16th Copa America title with a 1-0 victory over Colombia, but the evening was marred by a 75-minute delay due to security breaches at Hard Rock Stadium.
The 65,000-capacity stadium, set to host seven World Cup games, including a quarter-final and third-place playoff, became the scene of turmoil as fans rushed the gates and confronted Miami-Dade police. The entrances were locked down, delaying the kickoff from 8 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., leaving thousands stranded in the 88-degree heat.
Footage Shows Chaos That Led to Delay of Copa América Final in Miami https://t.co/70irEXqcsA
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) July 15, 2024
Witnesses reported that authorities eventually allowed everyone in without checking tickets to prevent a potential stampede. “There was serious concern of fans being crushed in order to enter,” a Hard Rock spokesperson told the Miami Herald. Security and law enforcement personnel were deployed throughout the stadium to ensure fan safety amidst the unprecedented situation.
Tickets for the highly anticipated final, featuring superstar Lionel Messi, sold for between $1,500 and $8,000. The event was meant to be a memorable night but quickly spiraled out of control. Argentinian player Alexis Mac Allister even left the locker room to assist his family, who were unable to enter the stadium.
Fears for US World Cup safety after Copa America fan chaos in Miami https://t.co/3idKinfVxG
— EL PAĪS HOTEL,14F (@Hotel14f) July 15, 2024
Social media captured the chaotic scenes, showing fans screaming, children crying, and facilities being damaged.A spokesperson for Hard Rock Stadium said, “During the course of the afternoon and evening, there were many attempts by unruly fans without passes to overpower security and judicial personnel at entry points to the stadium, placing themselves, other fans, and safety and stadium staff at extreme risk.” According to reports, spectators assaulted law enforcement, tore down barriers and walls, and seriously damaged the stadium.
“We will keep going to work with authorities to identify and hold accountable those who engaged in illegal conduct tonight,” a spokeswoman said. “It was disappointing that a night of enjoyment was impacted by illegal and dangerous conduct, and we will fully review the processes and protocols in place tonight and work with the authorities to ensure such an event never happens again.”
The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was meant to be Miami’s dress rehearsal the World Cup soccer tournament in the US. Hours before kickoff, it collapsed into chaos. https://t.co/ZfaAMdfTGf via @business
— Mike Shepard (@MikeShepard4) July 15, 2024
The Miami chaos follows a semi-final match that ended in a brawl between Uruguayan players, including star Darwin Nunez, and Colombian fans in Charlotte. The mayhem in Miami drew comparisons to the UEFA Champions League final in Paris in May 2020, where security breaches nearly led to a “mass casualty catastrophe,” according to a UEFA investigation. “It’s remarkable that no one lost their life,” the report stated.
Key Points:
i. Chaos erupted before the Copa America final in Miami, delaying the match by 75 minutes.
ii. Fans clashed with police and stormed the gates at Hard Rock Stadium, leading to security concerns.
iii. Argentina won 1-0 over Colombia, but the event was overshadowed by the turmoil.
iv. Security breaches and fan violence were reminiscent of the UEFA Champions League final in Paris in 2020.
v. Organizers pledged to work with law enforcement to prevent future incidents and hold those responsible accountable.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
