Deadly riots in Colombia follow Argentina's Copa America victory
It happened in Colombia after their national team lost to Argentina in the Copa America final (0-1). As a result, 25 people were arrested, and five are dead.
16 July 2024 08:16
While Europe was recently focused on Euro 2024, the Copa America was taking place across the ocean. This tournament, organised in the United States, will not be remembered fondly.
The final saw the national teams of Argentina and Colombia facing off. Their battle for the title was scheduled to start on the night from Sunday to Monday (14/15 July). Ultimately, the referee's first whistle was almost an hour and a half later.
This delay was due to fans without tickets attempting to storm the stadium. As a result, security closed the gates and thoroughly checked each person entering the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The match ended in Argentina's favour, who defeated Colombia 1-0 after extra time. This result led to riots on the streets of Colombia, which ended tragically.
- In most cases, bladed weapons were used. Twenty-five people were arrested across the country, said the national police chief, Nicolas Rojas, on the Noticias Caracol programme.
Furthermore, according to police data, five people died as a result of the riots. Four were killed in Bogotá and one in the town of Ibagué, located nearly 125 miles from the capital.
Argentina's victory also stirred things up in that country. Thousands of fans celebrated their compatriots' success on the streets of Buenos Aires. By the early morning, fans had not left the streets, causing traffic disruption. This prompted the police to use water cannons.
