COPA AMÉRICA
Row sparked between CONMEBOL and Hard Rock Stadium after chaos in Copa América final
Both CONMEBOL and the Hard Rock Stadium have released statements regarding the unsavoury scenes that occurred ahead of the Copa América final.
Just hours after the incidents that occurred in the Copa América final, the South American Football Confederation issued a statement about the events ahead of Argentina’s win over Colombia in Miami.
The governing body of football in South America claimed, via an official statement, that the authorities present at the venue were those responsible for logistical and security planning.
“CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, in accordance with the contractual responsibilities established for the security operation,” they stated.
Hard Rock Stadium rejected CONMEBOL concerns
They added that they themselves “recommended to said authorities the procedures tested in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account. We regret that the acts of violence caused by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport”.
The Hard Rock Stadium released their own statement, lamenting the fact that the game was spoiled for many by fans who engaged in illegal activity such as “fighting police officers, breaking down walls and barricades and vandalizing the stadium”.
They added that they will “continue to work with law enforcement to identify and hold criminals accountable who engaged in illegal conduct” and that they will “work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns”. The full statement is as follows:
Hard Rock stadium statement:
"Hard Rock Stadium takes pride in hosting world-class events year-round in a safe and successful manner. For the Copa Ameirca Final, the venue working in collaboration with CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and local law enforcement agencices. Preperations included an increase in the number of law enforcement officers and security on-hand, with more than double the personnel than a typical at-capacity stadium event.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, there were numerous attempts by unruly fans without tickets to overpower security and law enforcement personnel at entry points to the stadium staff at extreme risk. Various stadium gates were closed and re-opened strategically in an attempt to allow ticketed guests to enter safely and in a controlled manner. Fans continued to engage in illegal conduct - fighting police officers, breaking down walls and barricades and vandalizing the stadium, causing significant damage to the property.
When it became apparent that it would not be safe to start the match at 8 p.m., a joint decision was made to postpone. Shortly after 8 p.m. stadium officials, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, and law enforcement officers communication and decided to open stadium gates for a short period of time to all fans to prevent stampedes and serious injury at the perimeter. The gates were then closed once the threat of fans being crushed was alleviated. At that time, the venue was at capacity and gates were not re-opened. Shortly after the match started, alcohol sales were stopped and event organizers instituted a detailed plan and increased security presence to allow for a peaceful egress upon the conclusion of the match.
We understand there are disappointed ticket holders who were not able to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns. Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and that will always remain our priority.
We are grateful to the law enforcement officers who managed a difficult situation and prioritized the safety of the venue, the players, their families and the fans. We will continue to work with law enforcement to identify and hold criminals accountable who engaged in illegal conduct tonight. It is disappointing that a night of celebration was impacted by unlawful and unsafe behavior, and we will fully review the processes and protocols in place tonight and work with law enforcement to ensure such an event never happens again."
After kick-off was delayed for over an hour, officially starting at 9:22 p.m., Argentina won 1-0 after a late goal from Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez gave La Albiceleste their 16th Copa América win in their history. Colombia put up a valiant effort against the world champions, but it was not enough to keep the historic side away from yet another trophy in this remarkable period in their history.
Problems regarding fan safety are a concern in the United States after the game, especially given the fact that the country is set to host the upcoming World Cup, in 2026, along with Canada and Mexico. These issues at Hard Rock Stadium must be addressed as two years in not a long time in football and fans will want guarantees of security before travelling long distances to watch their team play.