COPA AMÉRICA 2024
Why was the Copa América final delayed? Arrests made as fans crash security
Dozens of fans tried to jump the gates and police were forced to close one corner of the stadium due to security concerns at Hard Rock Stadium.
The 2024 Copa America final has been delayed after fan trouble outside the stadium forced police to intervene.
At around 5:40pm (local time) the problems began outside Hard Rock Stadium. Dozens of Colombian fans reached the security check area without tickets and tried to enter the stadium en masse. Authorities and organisers tried to control the avalanche of people, tackling many of the intruders to the ground, but dozens managed to storm the gates and enter the stadium.
Live: Copa América final back on track after fan chaos
The incidents occurred very close to the south-west gate dedicated to media entry. Journalists and fans were caught in the middle of the response from security officials. Several people were detained by the police. Organisers closed all entrances to control the crowd, creating congestion at the entrances and forcing kickoff to be delayed.
Initially the 8pm kickoff was pushed back to 8:30pm (ET) but that was subsequently revised to 8:45pm and, finally, 9:15pm. The gates were reopened and supporters have begun to enter the stadium in an orderly manner but there will need to be a real inquest into the organisation of this game to avoid a repeat in future.
What has the police said about the trouble at Hard Rock Stadium?
Law enforcement officials have an unenviable job this evening, tasked with controlling a sell-out crowd of 65,000 eager supporters and a significant number of ticketless fans milling around the venue.
“We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game,” the Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed in a statement. “These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium”.
“We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested.”
Fans who had spent thousands of dollars for the Copa America final, possibly Lionel Messi’s last final with the Argentinian national team, were forced to wait outside in sweltering conditions for hours due to the chaos. Players saw their preparations disrupted as they were forced to leave the field during their pre-game warmups and then return an hour later.