I don’t think they ever expected events to get so out of hand.
During the Copa America final at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, a chaotic scene unfolded leading to the arrest of Colombia’s soccer federation president Ramon Jesurún, 71, and his son, Ramon Jamil Jesurún, 43. Both were charged with battery following an altercation with stadium security during a mass gate-crashing incident by fans.
Colombia’s soccer federation president and son among 27 arrested in chaos at Copa America final | AP News https://t.co/0MdogmowdB
— x (@iamthelemongirl) July 16, 2024
The incident occurred just before the final match between Argentina and Colombia, when hundreds of fans breached the stadium’s security. Some scaled fences while others entered through air conditioning vents, as captured in social media videos. In the commotion, the Jesurúns clashed with security personnel. The elder Jesurún, frustrated with a guard who did not recognize his all-access credential, insisted on entry, leading to the confrontation.
After spending the night in jail, the Jesurúns were released on bail. Ramon Jamil criticized the arrest, deeming it “ridiculous” and claimed the security personnel initiated the physical encounter. In court, additional charges were discussed, including an incident involving a woman who tried to intervene during the altercation. A restraining order was subsequently issued against Ramon Jamil in favor of the woman.
Colombia’s soccer federation president and his son were among 27 people arrested during the crowd control issues that broke out Sunday at the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, police said.https://t.co/hL05aioHBn
— KSEE24 News (@KSEE24) July 16, 2024
The arrests were part of a larger disturbance, with the Miami-Dade Police Department reporting a total of 27 arrests before the game and an additional 55 individuals ejected from the stadium. Among those arrested was Fernando Perez, who traveled from Houston to watch the game. Caught in the surge as fans pushed through an open gate, Perez described being thrown to the ground, tased, and subsequently spending 24 hours in jail.
Perez faced charges of battery on a police officer and resisting an officer without violence. His account highlights the broader disorder and the extreme measures taken by law enforcement in response to the chaos.
#Colombia‘s soccer federation president and son among 27 arrested in chaos at #CopaAmerica final https://t.co/JB6tq26Urz
— AhramOnlineSports (@AO_Sports) July 16, 2024
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava expressed outrage over the events and announced that an investigation into the disturbances at the Copa America match was underway. The investigation aims to address the security breaches and ensure accountability for the actions that led to such widespread disruption and multiple arrests. This incident has cast a shadow over the sporting event, prompting calls for better security measures and crowd control strategies at future events to prevent similar occurrences.
Key Points:
i. Ramon Jesurún, the president of Colombia’s soccer federation, and his son Ramon Jamil Jesurún were arrested and charged with battery at the Copa America final in Miami.
ii. The arrests occurred after hundreds of fans forcefully entered Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, bypassing security by climbing fences and squeezing through air vents.
iii. The elder Jesurún claimed confrontation began when a security guard failed to recognize his all-access credential, leading to a physical altercation.
iv. Alongside the Jesurúns, police reported 27 arrests before the game, with an additional 55 spectators ejected from the stadium grounds.
v. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava expressed outrage over the disorder and announced an investigation into the security breaches at the stadium.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
