The Reds forward is one of eleven Uruguayan players under CONMEBOL’s investigation after a major altercation broke out with Colombian supporters during Wednesday’s Copa America semifinal.
Liverpool is awaiting the decision of CONMEBOL, the organisation that oversees football in South America, over Darwin Nunez’s suspension for his role in a brawl between players and spectators during the 2024 Copa America.
Nunez was at the centre of the incident when fighting broke out between Uruguayan fans and Colombian supporters following Wednesday’s semifinal match. Eleven players are currently under investigation.
The attacker appeared to be taking revenge on supporters who had been berating the relatives and families of Uruguay’s players after their team had lost 1-0. The 25-year-old was punched in the head by a bystander during the dramatic altercation in Charlotte, North Carolina’s Bank of America Stadium.
Players’ families, including small children, were swiftly taken to safety on the pitch as violence broke out among the spectators.
Nunez and his teammates have not been punished immediately, despite CONMEBOL swiftly releasing a statement denouncing the offensive actions as Uruguay gets ready to play Canada in the third-place playoff this weekend. However, the players who are the subject of the investigation have until July 17 to provide any statements.
Nunez’s suspension duration is unknown, therefore both Liverpool and the team must now endure a dramatic wait. The forward’s role in the fighting has already raised the possibility of a lengthy suspension. On the other hand, given past instances of this kind, it is hoped that Nunez’s absence won’t be protracted.
Eric Dier, a former Tottenham defender, was fined £40,000 and banned from four matches in July 2020 for approaching a spectator from the stands. Following an alleged confrontation with Dier’s brother at the conclusion of the game in March 2020, the defender allegedly leaped over the pitch-side barricades and climbed over rows of seats to get to the fan.
Dier and the supporter did not make physical contact, though, so Nunez might be suspended for a longer period of time after punching someone in the stands.
The Brazilian star Neymar received a three-match suspension a year prior for striking a rival fan in the stands after Paris Saint-Germain lost the Coupe de France final. On his way to pick up his runners-up medal, Neymar and his colleagues were caught on camera punching the fan after the ecstatic Rennes supporter had provoked them.
Neymar was in the stands when the incident occurred, even if he also made contact with someone else. Nunez, on the other hand, had approached a gathering of supporters by purposefully climbing into the seating area.
The ideal situation for Liverpool would be for CONMEBOL to handle the situation on its own; this would mean that Nunez’s playing time with the Reds would remain unaffected and that Uruguay would benefit. In the worst case scenario, Nunez’s club and country could be negatively impacted by a ban if FIFA decides to become involved in the situation.
