Nunez involved in brawl after Copa America exit

Liverpool star Darwin Nunez and other Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans following their 1-0 Copa America semi-final defeat.

Striker Nunez was caught by TV cameras unleashing a flurry of punches at Colombian supporters after jumping into the spectator seating at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Central defender Jose Maria Gimenez said players had leaped into the melee out of concern for the safety of family members and loved ones watching the game.

"This is a disaster ... We had to go to the stands to take out our loved ones, with newborn babies," the Atletico Madrid player said.

"There was not a single police officer ... I hope those who are organizing this are a little more careful with the families.

"Every game it's been happening because there are people who don't know how to handle a couple of drinks."

The fighting continued for several minutes until police intervened.

Ugly scenes also broke out on the field after the final whistle.

Colombia were down to 10 men for the entire second half after Daniel Munoz was sent off just before the interval. A 39th-minute Jefferson Lerma header secured the victory.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE